Music Wandering red hot air balloon logo with clouds and music notes

Music Wandering

Creative Works by Ellen Tsai

About Ellen Tsai

Ellen Tsai is a composer and musician whose work blends classical traditions with imaginative storytelling. Growing up on classical music from the radio station and the local library, plus piano and string bass training, her mind always had some decent music playing by itself.

Years after completing a Minor in Music at California State University, Long Beach, she inadvertently turned to composing as a creative outlet, which has since evolved into a vital part of her being.  Ellen’s compositions carry a classical bent yet infused with modern lyricism and intense harmonies that resemble cinematic music. She is affiliated with ASCAP and enjoys collaborating with musicians worldwide to bring her compositions to life.
Ellen Tsai leaning on white railing and smiling.  Photo credit: Montoya Photography
Ellen working at a stop-motion animation set with camera and laptop
film section

From Music to Motion

With a love for crafting, Ellen began designing felt dolls and miniature instruments in 2019. Several years later, curiosity got the better of her as she went on to experimenting with stop-motion animation synced to her own music. The process opened a new creative path, allowing miniature worlds, original compositions, and storytelling to come together frame by frame.
stop-motion image of a miniature ship captain doll showing something to a diver
stop-motion image of knitted orange cat
stop-motion image of characters on a boat
Ellen working at stop-motion animation set
stop-motion image of felt doll playing the cello on a skateboard
stop-motion image of two diver dolls
Ellen hot gluing shipwreck prop
stop-motion image of 4 miniature felt dolls
stop-motion image of 3 miniature felt dolls wearing holiday apparel holding their musical instruments
stop-motion image of two musicians inside a music studio with an orange cat