Elaine Fine, a guest on the In Key podcast, discusses her journey into transcription, particularly transcribing cello pieces for viola. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original piece's integrity while adapting it to the viola's range. Fine shares her process, which involves improvisation, piano practice, and constant revisions. She also highlights the evolving landscape of classical music, noting the shift towards embracing tonal and beautiful compositions. Fine promotes her book "Advanced Viola Scale Studies" and stresses the value of live music experiences over algorithmic recommendations. She also discusses the unique qualities of the viola, particularly its ability to blend with other instruments.