Ellenelle G.

Singing, Acting, and Instruments

Boston

• My most recent performance was as Fiona in “Shrek the Musical”
• My first paid job was playing piano for a traveling choir when I was 14
• I have 25 ukuleles

Ellenelle Gilliam is a passionate music educator and performer with extensive teaching experience spanning the United States, South America, Africa, and Europe. She is dedicated to creating engaging, student-centered lessons that inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. This fall, Ellenelle will begin pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at Boston University, bringing with her a wealth of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities. Most recently, she has taught middle school music in England, directing choir, bands, string ensembles, and piano classes. Previously, she taught elementary music in North Carolina and South Carolina, served as Adjunct Voice Faculty at Carthage College, and spent five years in Guyana developing music curriculum, directing choirs and musical theater productions, and preparing students for ABRSM examinations in voice, piano, guitar, and violin. Throughout her career, Ellenelle has directed numerous musicals, including Beauty and the Beast Jr., Shrek Jr., The Wizard of Oz, and Once on This Island. She has also led performing arts clubs, organized international student performance tours, and taught music internationally in Tanzania, where she shared vocal technique, music theory, and musicianship while learning traditional African drumming and dance. Ellenelle earned her Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy from Carthage College, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Augustana College. She is licensed to teach through both the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the State of Illinois, and is in the process of receiving her license through the State of Massachusetts. As both an educator and performer, Ellenelle believes that the Fine Arts has the power to build confidence, foster creativity, and connect people across cultures. She enjoys helping each student discover their unique musical voice while creating lessons that are challenging, encouraging, and fun.