Eli Gonzalez is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and experienced music educator who has worked with ages 5-75 as a voice teacher, coach, and musical director in a variety of styles. Eli's teaching philosophy focuses on helping singers discover the ease and fun of singing healthily while providing the tools and tricks to be able to sing any genre they want to sing all while having A BLAST.
He began his teaching journey serving as the pianist/music specialist for a musical theatre summer camp and music director of community theater productions in his hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. He moved on to receive a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (emphasis in classical voice) from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Eli furthered his education in NYC and graduated from New York University in 2020 with a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance: Music Theatre and a Post-Master's Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy with Vocology and Singing Voice Specialist (SVS) credits. During his time at NYU, Eli worked as an Adjunct Voice Instructor for the university. Eli has previously worked as a virtual teaching artist for TADA! Youth Theater, and as the virtual Musical Theatre Voice Consultant at Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory in Harlingen, TX for the 2020-2021 school year. Currently, Eli will be celebrating his 5th year at the Play Group Theater as the Theatre Operations Manager and Resident Music Director where he has music directed many of the educational programs that span from ages 3-18 as well as music directed multiple fully-staged productions with all-children casts. His favorites include: The Lightning Thief, The Prom, Cinderella, Little Women, Mean Girls, and the development of 2 original productions created for 8-12 year olds: In Wonderland, & Hunded Acres.
Whether you're looking for some extra help on that audition next week, or a long-term guide for your vocal journey, Eli is more than ready to help!
"Eli is an amazing teacher. I’ve had singing instructors before but what made Eli stand out was that he catered his class towards my needs and not just a general learning curriculum. He took the time to see what were my weaknesses in singing and gave me concrete exercises and advice to improve. He used different methods and then continued with what worked best for me. Moreover, he is kind, approachable, and easygoing which makes you feel relaxed when singing. Definitely recommend him!"
"I took lessons from Eli my freshman year at NYU Tisch. He made me feel comfortable during lessons. He is very personable and friendly, and he is really good at teaching vocal techniques that help with mixing, vocal placement, and belting. I primarily sang musical theater songs with Eli, but he is still very much capable of teaching pop/riffing. If you're looking for a kind, passionate, teacher who will meet you at your skill level then he's your guy!"
"Eli is such a bundle of irrepressible positivity that if scientists studied him they'd probably solve the energy crisis. My favorite thing was watching how Eli's focused enthusiasm for his students during teaching demonstrations...could get the entire class re-energized for their own own lessons...His boundless love and support for his students and classmates always inspired me to be a better teacher."