Elena Lacayo
she/her
Mama Elena is a Latin Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, based in Washington, DC. Originally from Managua, Nicaragua, Mama Elena got her start in children’s music playing guitarrón (mariachi bass) with the Latin Grammy-nominated artist Sonia de los Santos and starring in Sonia’s off-Broadway production of “Música” in 2024. In addition to performing for kids, she is leader of the bilingual Latin-folk project Elena La Fulana, is an eight-time recipient of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Artist Fellowship, has been nominated for two Wammie Awards, and was part of the Washington City Paper’s People Issue 2017. From 2018-2023 Elena toured with the Latin Grammy-winning band Flor de Toloache with whom she received a Latin Grammy nomination in 2022.
Mama Elena es una multiinstrumentista, cantautora ominada al Latin Grammy, radicada en Washington, DC. Originaria de Managua, Nicaragua, Mama Elena se inició en la música infantil tocando el guitarrón (bajo de mariachi) con la artista nominada al Latin Grammy Sonia de los Santos y protagonizando en su producción off-Broadway "Música" en 2024. Además de actuar para niños, es líder del proyecto Latin folk bilingüe, Elena La Fulana, ha recibido ocho veces la beca de artistas de la Comisión de Artes y Humanidades de DC, ha sido nominada para dos premios Wammie, y fue reconocida como una de las personas del año de 2017 del Washington City Paper. De 2018 a 2023, Elena fue parte de la banda Flor de Toloache, con quien recibió una nominación al Grammy Latino en 2022.
Locations Served
Our studio is conveniently based in Chantilly, VA
We offer early childhood music classes for toddlers all across Northern Virginia.
From Herndon, Clifton, Fairfax, Reston, Vienna, Sterling, Oak Hill, Lees Corner, Floris, Stone Ridge, South Riding, Franklin Farm, Ashburn, Broadlands, Aldie, Fairfax City, Conklin, Lenah, Oak Grove, Arlington and more!
The Vanguard Difference
KNOWLEDGE & SUPPORT Our teachers are not only trained in their instrument and experienced in teaching, but passionate about developing the next generation of music makers in Northern VA. When you become a customer at our school, your relationship extends to the entire staff , a collection of musicians who are passionate about developing and maintaining a safe and fun learning environment
ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY Becoming a member of the Vanguard family means more than just having a weekly lesson—with a performance venue and recording studio under the same roof, students will be able to learn to use the kind of technologies modern musicians rely on, and will have the chance to show off their new skills as soon as they’re ready!
COMMUNITY & BELONGING As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll notice something unique—we want you to feel at home. Vanguard is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone has a safe space to learn to express themselves musically.