Makenna began the cello at age 9, joining the Elementary Strings Program at her school.

​

Her interest in music soared when the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean film scores debuted, and began her lifelong adoration of film music. 

​

She obtained a Bachelor of Music in Composition at the University of Oregon, where she also studied cello all four years with Steven Pologe, and a Master of Music in Film Composition from the Seattle Film Institute. She now studies with Diane Chaplin in Portland.

​

She served as Principal Cellist in the Oregon Sinfonietta from 2021-2023 and is now a cellist with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. She is also a freelance composer, having written music for various short films and podcasts, including the theme music for The Oregonian's latest podcast The Unidentifieds. Check out her composition website at:  makennacomposer.com