Graduated from Istanbul University State Conservatory, Turkey as Major of Piano by completing undergraduate and graduate programs under the tutelage of Prof. Tuvana Alton. Completed Proficiency in Arts atBilkent University. Worked with Leontina Margulis, Frank Braley, Gülsin Onay, Hüseyin Sermet, in Vienna with Roland Batik and in Salzburg Mozarteum with Christoper Lieske in their masterclasses. 

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Awarded “Best Turkish Composition Performer” with Op.15 Sonatina of Adnan Saygun in ANAÇEV Piano Competition. Won the “2011 Donizetti Awards – Classic Music Band of the Year” with Bilkent Su Triochamber music band that she founded. Performed recitals and chamber music concerts in prestigious concert halls throughout Turkey, United States of America, Germany and Austria as well as soloist with Çukurova State Symphony Orchestra and İzmir State Symphony Orchestra. Performed many contemporary Turkish composers' solo piano and chamber music compositions including Adnan Saygun’s Op.2 Suite for solo piano for the first time in the world. Elif Önal is still performing concerts in solo and chamber music and continuing her teaching career.