Seems that Ella also learned to play a bit:
Grand Duchess Elizabeth to Tsar Nicholas II, 11 April
1897
Darling Nicky,
....I can now play enough of the balalaika to show you and Alix so if we have some free moments a trois, I can
show you it is quite easy, only I won't bring my
instrument, perhaps one of the soldiers can lend his....
God bless you, dear Boy. Your loving Sister,
Ella