Originally from Kalamazoo, Elizabeth Start (aka Betsy) holds bachelor's degrees in mathematics and cello performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory, master's degrees in cello and theory/composition from Northern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in composition from the University of Chicago.

Following the completion of her doctorate, she spent 10 years free-lancing as a professional cellist, composer and teacher in the Chicago area. She has taught cello, composition, music history and theory, music appreciation, acoustics, and basic mathematics at many institutions, including DePaul University, Columbia College, Concordia University, Elmhurst College, Kalamazoo College, Elgin Suzuki Talent Education, and the McHenry County Music Center.

As a performer, she has premiered over 60 works, and performed with many organizations in the Chicago area. As a composer working in acoustic, electronic, and mixed media, she has had numerous commissions and over 100 performances of over 50 works in the U.S. and abroad. She is a member of the International Alliance of Women in Music, and performed in June 2000 at their annual concert at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.

She returned to Kalamazoo in 2001. She is a section cellist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Community Arts Liaison for First Baptist Church, Executive Director of the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, and conducts the orchestra, coaches, and teaches cello for the Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo, as well as providing private cello lessons. She continues her activities with the Elgin (IL) Symphony, Symphony II, and Ravinia Festival Orchestra.

Please refer to http://www.elizabethstart.com for more information about Dr. Start.

Email her at arts@fbckazoo.org