Meet TTS Scholar Eli Tausen á Lava, Class of 2022-23
Eli is pursuing a master’s degree in music theory and composition at New York University, where he’ll study with several high-profile composers including Julia Wolfe, Michael Gordon, and Caroline Shaw. After he earns his degree, Eli will focus on his career as a composer. “I’ll continue writing music for the musicians and ensembles I’ve already connected with in Europe, as well as the musicians and ensembles I’m now connecting with in the United States.” Eli also plans to work in film music, as the Faroese film industry rapidly developing. Next semester, Eli will take courses in film scoring to prepare himself to take advantage of that opportunity.
Though he loves New York, Eli will return to the Faroe Islands after he graduates to help develop the Faroese nation. He feels honored to have met and learn from highly accomplished people in his musical field, though he recognizes that hard work and dedication are keys to success. “As someone who will hopefully be working with high-profile musicians, artists, and filmmakers in the future — it’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, accomplished, well-known people in all fields are just normal human beings who worked very hard at their craft and persevered in the pursuit of their careers.”
Growing up in the Faroe Islands, Victor Borge was a household name for Eli. “When I saw that Thanks To Scandinavia offers a scholarship bearing the title of the Victor Borge Music Scholarship, I knew I had to apply. If anyone reading this is considering studying music (or anything else, for that matter) in the United States, I’d like to warmly recommend becoming part of the TTS family.”