Music Academy

Early Beginnings

Music has been the heartbeat of my life from an early age. Growing up surrounded by melodies and rhythms, I discovered my passion for musical expression. I began my training at Age 8 with piano lessons which I loved, because I found it easy. A couple of years later I began violin lessons through my elementary school. Violin is a difficult instrument to learn, so falling in love with it took some time and LOTS of work. I learned to love it.

Education

My pursuit of music led me to years of study, honing my skills as both a pianist and a violinist/violist. The Music Education program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee helped me develop some technical proficiency but also the ability to convey emotion and tell stories through music. These formative years of practice and performance instilled in me a deep respect for the art and a desire to share it with others.

As a Piano Teacher

As a piano teacher, my role extends beyond teaching techniques and scales. I aim to move my students, towards a love for music and the satisfaction that comes from their pursuit. Each student brings a unique rhythm to their learning, and I tailor my approach to nurture their creativity and confidence.

As a Violist

My journey as a violinist and violist has taken me to a variety of performance stages; symphony orchestras, string quartet groups, pit orchestras and many solo performances during worship which allowed me to “preach” through my music. My history in all these different venues is overwhelming. I had so much fun honing my trade with great teachers and friends.
One of the highlights of my career has been, as violist, with the New Sussex Symphony in New Jersey. As a part of this esteemed orchestra, I enjoyed an enormous part of the literature of music that celebrates the beauty of collaboration and the power of collective artistry. Being surrounded by talented musicians has challenged me to grow further while allowing me to bring my unique perspective and skills to the ensemble.

Another important aspect of my career was playing in many, many pit orchestras. Broadway Musicals for high schools, Oratorios, Cantatas, and other miscellaneous jobs. It made me who I am, and I am eternally grateful to God for leading me down this path.

Olivia Nelson is a dedicated music educator and performer with over 14 years of experience playing the clarinet. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, where she graduated magna cum laude with a double major and a certificate in addition to her studies in both the clarinet and cello studios.

Besides being a clarinetist, Olivia is also a baritone saxophonist and has experience with other woodwind instruments. She is an active adjudicator for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) Solo and Ensemble Festival each spring, specializing in woodwind performance evaluation.

Currently, Olivia serves as the Coordinator for the Marching and Varsity Bands at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she plays a key role in organizing performances and supporting student musicians. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys performing in local community bands and contributing to music in her church.

Olivia is passionate about helping students grow as musicians and is excited to bring her energy and experience to the Mount Olive Music Academy.

Emily Torkelson is an American cellist who originally hails from southeastern Wisconsin. She started cello at age four, and eventually chose to pursue it professionally, receiving her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Texas Christian University in 2024, graduating summa cum laude. While at TCU, Torkelson collaborated in chamber music, cello ensemble, and the school’s early music ensemble, Collegium Musicum. She began her Master of Music degree at the University of Denver in 2024, and chose to transfer to UW-Madison in 2025. While at DU, Torkelson went through long-term Suzuki training, and is currently a certified teacher for Suzuki books 1-4.

As an orchestral musician, Torkelson has been a section cellist in the Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and has had the opportunity to lead various cello sections as the principal cellist of the TCU Symphony, the Atlantic Music Festival Orchestra, and the Denver Chamber Orchestra.

Torkelson currently studies with Matthew Zalkind. Her past teachers include Juliette Herlin, Jesus Castro-Balbi, and Adrien Zitoun. She has also performed in masterclasses for renowned pedagogues and musicians such as Richard Aaron, Zlatomir Fung, Horacio Contreras, Alan Stepansky, Nicholas Kitchen, Moni Simeonov, and John Largess, among others.

Jennifer began her formal musical training at the age of 4 in a Suzuki violin studio. She continued to study violin until graduating from high school. Being the only string player of any kind in the entire county where she grew up meant there was very little access to playing in an ensemble of any size. Her dad was the organist and choir director at church and asked her to play violin with the choir as needed. By this time Jennifer was also singing in choir in the Lutheran school she attended and continued to be active in choir both in church and school, which has continued to this day. In sixth grade Jennifer began to play the clarinet in band, but she switched to the oboe in seventh grade. In college she had the opportunity to study the oboe more seriously and found it to be enjoyable.

Jennifer graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1995 with a BA in Music Education, with voice being her primary instrument. While she was licensed to teach K-12 general and choral education, she has significant instrumental experience as well. In college she was a member of the Wind Ensemble (oboe), Kammerchor (soprano), and the Alleluia Ringers (handbells).

Since graduating, Jennifer has taught music in several locations as her husband finished seminary and took calls to various congregations. In each place she has been involved in music, mostly as a teacher and/or director. She has also had a small studio of private string and voice students over the years. Jennifer has been adjudicating solo and ensemble festivals around southern Wisconsin for more than 10 years, judging string and vocal performances of middle school and high school youth.