AboutElla Jarvis is a classically trained Australian composer from Brisbane (Magandjin), Queensland. She began her musical journey at the age of five with piano, followed by flute at age eight, and later expanded her performance experience to include guitar, clarinet, and alto saxophone. Her early experiences learning a range of instruments helped shape her understanding of music and the different roles instruments can play within an ensemble. Over time, her interests have grown beyond performance to include composition and arranging, allowing her to explore music from both a performer’s and a creator’s perspective.
Ella is currently working towards her AMusA in Flute while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). In 2027, she plans to pursue a Master of Education (Music & Drama), combining her passion for music with her interest in education. Through her studies, she continues to develop her musical knowledge and practical skills while exploring different aspects of music, including performance, composition, and music education. As an experienced ensemble musician, Ella has performed extensively in a range of community and concert ensembles. Her previous involvement includes the SJFC Concert Band, where she performed on flute and piccolo, and the Second Wind Community Band, where she performed on flute and clarinet. She is currently a member of Queensland Wind and Brass, where she frequently performs on flute. These ensemble experiences have allowed her to work alongside a variety of musicians, develop her approach to ensemble playing, and gain a deeper appreciation for the collaboration involved in bringing music to life. Performing in different groups has also influenced her understanding of how music can be written and adapted to suit the needs, abilities, and strengths of individual ensembles.
In 2022, Ella began composing original ensemble works and producing arrangements under the guidance of composer and educator Tiffany Rabbitt. Since then, she has continued to develop her skills in composition, arranging, and ensemble performance, with a particular interest in creating pedagogical music for instrumental ensembles. Her experience as both a performer and composer informs the way she approaches new works, with a focus on writing music that is engaging to play while providing opportunities for musicians to develop their technique and musical understanding. She is particularly interested in the relationship between composition and education, and how thoughtfully written music can encourage developing musicians to build confidence and explore new musical ideas. This interest continues to shape her approach to creating works that are both accessible and rewarding for the musicians performing them.
Alongside her performance and composition work, Ella has experience teaching and working with younger instrumentalists. She currently provides private flute lessons to school-age students at beginner to intermediate levels, giving her valuable insight into supporting young musicians as they develop their confidence, musical skills, and enjoyment of performance. Through teaching, she recognises the importance of adapting to each student's individual needs and creating a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable developing at their own pace. Her experiences as a student, performer, composer, and teacher all contribute to her understanding of music and the different ways people can engage with it. Ella is passionate about creating, performing, and teaching music, and strives to share her work with audiences and fellow musicians. She hopes to continue building her experience across these areas, developing new works and contributing to opportunities that support young musicians.