Ella Markwald

Ella Markwald is a Nashville-based composer, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She’s currently completing her Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition and Music Theory, with a minor in Music Business at Belmont University. At the age of twelve, she began songwriting, finding a form of self expression through metered verse. Over time, she's found her passion in creating thought-out melodies and themes for orchestra, film, and games. Each of Ella's compositions are programmatic, as they tell stories of love, magic, and mystery. 

Ella’s extensive musical background—stemming from classical violin, show-choir, and musical theatre has shaped her composition technique to blend classical and contemporary styles. In 2025, Ella participated in the Zodiac Music Festival in Valdeblore, France, where she premiered her first commissioned work The Woods. In May of 2026, her former high-school, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, commissioned her to write a piece, Maiden’s Voyage, for their chamber orchestra. She released her debut EP, Before I Sleep, in September of 2026, which contains three electronic instrumental tracks that explore the thoughts and feelings one experiences late at night. While at Belmont, Ella has had the opportunity to collaborate with student film directors, scoring Songbird Avenue, directed by Addison McArdle, and The Feed, directed by Candice Dillard.

Ella enjoys creating memorable melodies combined with eccentric rhythms and harmonic progressions. Inspired by composers such as Daniel Pemberton, Alan Menken, and Cory Wong, she is passionate about writing music that enhances storytelling and leaves a lasting impression on audiences.

Currently, Ella continues to expand her portfolio through new collaborations in film, games, and visual media.