Elisa Lazzarino began her violin studies at the age of 7, and classical guitar at 13 at Buffalo Suzuki Strings in Buffalo, New York. There she studied violin primarily with Eloisa Padilha, and guitar with Joanne Castellani, and participated in workshops and chamber music festivals coached by members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

After moving from New York to California, she began studying with Dan Flanagan of the Sacramento Philharmonic. Upon entering CSU Sacramento, she studied violin with William Barbini, and she also studied guitar with Dr. Richard Savino. At CSUS, she has performed in numerous chamber music recitals and had coachings from Ian Swensen, Andrew Luchansky, Carla-Maria Rodrigues, and Daniel Kennedy. On guitar, she has had masterclasses with Lily Afshar and Matthew Ardizzone.

Elisa has performed with the CSUS Symphony Orchestra, Folsom Lake Symphony, and Treasure Coast Youth Symphony. She was a founding member of the CSUS New Music ensemble. For two years, she has performed in the Festival of New American Music in a violin, marimba and saxophone trio by Richard Aldridge, and more recently a violin and marimba duo by Bay Area composer Steve Adams.