Elise Buffat Nelson

Elise Buffat Nelson is an Adjunct Professor of cello at North Dakota State University and Minnesota State University-Moorhead. She serves as associate principal cello of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Dakota Rose String Quartet, maintaining an extensive private studio since 1989.

• Education: Master of Music (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Bachelor of Music (University of Wisconsin-Superior)

Her research and professional focus spans cello performance, string quartet coaching, and orchestral collaboration. Notable affiliations include the Quapaw Quartet (Arkansas Symphony Orchestra) and graduate ensemble training under Pro Arte Quartet members.

In her academic roles, she bridges performance expertise with pedagogy, evident through her long-standing private instruction practice and ensemble leadership. Current projects involve performance opportunities at NDSU Music Academy and ongoing participation in choral symposia.