Eli Zoller
New York Guitar Teachers has become one of the fastest growing guitar studios in Manhattan. With Eli’s commitment to personal attention for all students, New York Guitar Teachers promise enjoyable experiences and positive growth to both beginners and professionals alike. Director Eli Zoller strongly believes in his shared philosophy with all of his fellow NYVC associates that the best learning environment is one full of positive encouragement and completely free of judgment. Most importantly, music (especially guitar!) should be FUN!
When Eli was approached by Justin Stoney on behalf of New York Vocal Coaching to assume the role of Director of New York Guitar Teachers, he happily jumped head-first into the exciting opportunity. Being given the chance to utilize his skills to teach guitar professionally has been an aspiration of Eli’s since he arrived in New York City.
Eli received his BFA from The University of Michigan School of Music. In his university years, Eli began teaching friends out of his dorm room how to play their favorite songs. Upon moving to New York City, Eli began a successful career teaching freelance guitar lessons, primarily to children. Eli offers lessons of all kinds and at all experience levels- from beginners to seasoned professionals. Eli’s extensive knowledge and versatility enable him to create individual lesson plans for any and all who seeks to improve their skills on the guitar.
Eli began studying music at age 4, studying piano at what would soon become a youth-award winning level. Eli came to understand music theory at a very young age and quickly assumed a place in his public school band. By age 12, Eli was skillful at playing four instruments. However, people who know him best say that his fifth instrument of choice (chronologically, that is) was the most fitting. At age 13, Eli picked up his first guitar…and never put it down! In his self-taught beginnings, he spent his free time with his favorite classic rock records learning every song chord by chord and every solo note by note. Eli quickly moved to classical/jazz training with extensive music theory. By the time he reached college, Eli was already playing in pit orchestras in place of professional musicians.
In only his first four years out of college, Eli has accomplished a successful career playing professional gigs, recording, and touring in multiple styles and genres playing guitar, bass (up-right and electric) and drums. He has music directed and orchestrated shows in New York and regionally. A few of these include GREENEYES, a new musical which appeared at the 2008 New York Fringe Festival, and Peter Mills’ 2009 Off-Broadway bluegrass musical GOLDEN BOY OF THE BLUE RIDGE, in which his music direction behind his guitar received acclaim from multiple publications, including the New York Times. He also served as a record producer with the GOLDEN BOY OF THE BLUE RIDGE Original Cast Album, now available on iTunes and Amazon.com.
Eli’s commitment to offering some of the most affordable rates in the city as well as top quality guitar education will provide! New York Guitar Teachers is located conveniently on the Upper West Side at 87th Street. It’s an easy trip on the B, C, or 1 Trains and is nearby to Central Park and Riverside Park.