EARLY LIFE

       From ages 5-15 Eli studied drums with various instructors in Boston, the most influential of which being John Purcell of Brookline Music School, and Warren Grant, drummer for Albert Cummings Jr.   In 2010, aged 15, his Brookline ensemble placed third in the prestigious Berklee High School Jazz Competition, an event contested by jazz programs nationwide.  In 2012, he was awarded the Judges Choice award for Outstanding Player in the same competition.  After attending the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver on scholarship, he decided that the best way to continue his musical growth was to leave Denver and begin a professional career in Los Angeles.

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PROFESSIONAL CAREER

 

      Consistently performing with various outfits, Eli has participated in a number of international tours and performances, with artists such as Darren Hayes, San Holo, Yoke Lore, Caye, Alec Joseph.

 

     Eli currently serves as the drummer and production manager for pop artist Caye, as well as musical director for YAS, and Teddi Gold.  Additionally, he frequently performs at private events across the country.  In 2018, Eli completed a 3 month residency with a jazz trio at Quincy Jones' highly esteemed "Q's Lounge" at the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai.  His other credits include acts such as San Holo, Nikka Costa, Yoke Lore, MAETA, Darren Hayes, Zyah Belle, PIAO, Lea the Leox, Kate Stewart, VINCINT, Erich Bergen, Pia Toscano of “Westside” and “American Idol”, American Idol MD Michael Orland, and countless others.  

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QUINCY JONES

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      Eli has completed two lengthy residencies in Dubai, the second of which was a 2017-2018 3 month residency at “Q’s Lounge”, Dubai’s most upscale music space owned and operated by American music legend Quincy Jones.  This came about after a trio Eli was a part of was the feature of a Quincy Jones Presents concert series in Los Angeles, after which they were invited by Q to do the residency in Dubai.  Eli played drums, percussion, and background vocals in a trio with singer-songwriter Eli Teplin, and bassist/guitarist Joshua McClanahan.  At the time, the trio was lauded by critics in local nightlife publications as "the best live music experience Dubai had ever seen". 

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THE FUTURE

 

      Moving forward, Eli continues to perform globally and produces records at his studio in North Hollywood, where he also hosts a robust mentorship program. Topics covered include everything from hand technique and ear training, to building relationships and entrepreneurship advice. Eli contracts with LA's top luxury music agency, Downbeat, performing at luxe private events across the US and internationally.  Additionally, he is the co-creator of Swedish Funk Mafia, a super-collective of other pro musicians, and The Cherrypick - a funk variety show typically in Hollywood.