The Quarantined Quartet‘ s journey from pandemic improvisation to global stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. This viral family ensemble, made up of Elysa and Jason Hochman and their two sons, Noah and Joseph, has captivated over a million followers on Instagram with their daily musical posts—a streak that has now lasted over 1,700 consecutive days. From their humble beginnings, sharing daily practice sessions to keep their spirits high during uncertain times, to their debut album Strumming the Earth, this family has transformed their passion into a powerful message of unity, resilience, and joy through music.
Their music—an exhilarating blend of Spanish classical, flamenco, and world influences—carries the unmistakable warmth and authenticity of a family united by more than just blood, but a deep love for their craft. Each note on Strumming the Earth speaks not only to their technical mastery but to their journey: from a time of isolation and uncertainty to an ever-growing global community. In this exclusive interview, we explore the inspiration behind their debut album, the challenges of transitioning from social media to studio recording, and how their shared love of music continues to fuel their bond and their mission of spreading hope around the world. Get ready to meet the Hochman family and hear their story—a story that, like their music, will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of family, art, and the universal language of song.
The Quarantined Quartet started as a family project during the pandemic. Can you take us back to the early days of your journey? What motivated you to begin sharing your music with the world?
When the shutdowns began on March 16, 2020, life completely shifted for us. Suddenly, we had time to stay home, practice, and connect as a family. On March 21, 2020, we decided to create an Instagram page to document our daily practices, calling ourselves the Quarantined Quartet. Our goal was to post a piece of our practice every day until the pandemic ended. At first, we thought this would last just two weeks! But as the weeks turned into months (and now years), we kept going, sharing our journey and connecting with people worldwide.
As of today, we’ve posted 1,709 consecutive days of practice—and we haven’t missed a single one! Watching us grow, and especially the kids from ages 8 and 10 to now 13 and 14, has been such a rewarding experience for many our followers. The positivity and support we received from our global audience motivated us then, and it continues to inspire us now.
Your ensemble blends Spanish classical, flamenco, and world music in unique ways. How did you decide on this fusion of genres for your debut album?
We’ve always loved Spanish, classical, and flamenco guitar. Rumba flamenca is a style that deeply inspires us, with its rhythmic energy and soulful melodies. We naturally gravitate toward music that feels melodic and sings through the guitar. From there, we created pieces that combined beautiful melodies with fun, upbeat rhythms. Playing on nylon-string guitars gives our music a distinctly flamenco sound, which ties everything together.
The name “Quarantined Quartet” is so specific to the pandemic. How has the name and concept of the band evolved as the world has moved beyond the pandemic?
The name is a significant part of our story. During the uncertainty and challenges of the pandemic, we connected with people by offering hope, positivity, and encouragement through our music. The name “Quarantined Quartet” represents where we started and the growth we’ve achieved since then. It reminds us of those early days and how far we’ve come as a family band. We feel it’s an integral part of our identity and continues to tell our story.
What were the biggest challenges transitioning fromvv daily Instagram performances to creating a full album, and how did you overcome them?
Having a large repertoire from our daily postings was a huge advantage, but narrowing it down to create a cohesive album was definitely a challenge. Posting daily helped us prepare, both musically and mentally, for the demands of studio recording. Going live on social media and performing full-length virtual concerts also gave us valuable experience. By the time we were ready to record, the album felt like a natural extension of everything we’d been working toward.
Looking back at the pandemic period, how did you see music as a source of healing for your family and your global audience?
Music was our anchor. Financially, the pandemic was incredibly stressful for us. We had to close our Manhattan studio, transition our school online, and cancel all our performances. It was a tough time, but playing together as a family became a blessing. It gave us purpose, joy, and something to look forward to each day. Sharing that joy with others helped us feel connected and uplifted, even during the darkest moments.
How do family dynamics play a role in your musical collaborations? Do you ever encounter creative differences, and how do you navigate them?
Family dynamics definitely come into play! We all have opinions, and sometimes we disagree on how a piece should sound or which songs to include. But we’re good at picking our battles and working toward compromises. Everyone has a voice, and we respect each other’s input. Ultimately, we prioritize what sounds best, and our shared love of music helps us navigate any creative differences.
‘Strumming the Earth’ features original compositions and reimagined covers. How did you decide which pieces to include?
We selected songs that felt ready—pieces we had played and polished over the years. Compromises were definitely part of the process, as we all had different favorites. Some songs didn’t make it onto this album, but we’re excited to include them in future projects. This album is just the beginning for us, and we’re already looking ahead to what’s next.
World music is a key influence in your work. How do you incorporate global sounds and traditions into your music?
We’re inspired by so many artists and styles—Gipsy Kings, Juan Serrano, Paco de Lucía, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Beatles, Jesse Cook, Opal Ocean and Ottmar Leibert, to name a few. We aim to create music that lets the guitar “sing” in place of a vocalist. Our goal is to blend melodic beauty with the rhythms and textures of global traditions, creating something that feels unique yet universally appealing.
Elysa and Jason, how did you nurture your sons’ musical talents? And Joseph and Noah, what’s it like having your parents as bandmates?
Elysa and Jason: We always encouraged the boys to jam, pick songs, and give their input. We choose music that challenges them but keeps things fun, especially with upbeat rhythms. We put them in the forefront to keep them feeling like leaders and guiding our group. We wanted them to feel involved and excited about every step of the process.
Joseph and Noah: Having our parents as bandmates was a huge advantage when we started. They’re professional musicians, so we always sounded great! Now that we’ve grown as players, we can hold our own as soloists and a duo, but we’ll always appreciate the foundation they gave us.
Can you share a memorable story from one of your performances that highlights your family bond?
One of our favorite moments was one of our first sold-out candlelight concert at the Irondale Theater in Brooklyn. The energy was incredible, and we got an incredible standing ovation! During the show, the boys joined the flamenco dancers, adding hand and foot percussion. It was spontaneous, fun, and truly captured the spirit of our family bond. That night, we knew we had something really special.
For more on their journey and to experience their soulful sounds, be sure to follow the Quarantined Quartet on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify. Their music is sure to brighten your day, just as it has done for millions across the globe.