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Faith, Family and Hard Work Help Auckland Teenager Excel in Jazz

Eli Wilson, 17, loves jazz music so much he may end up studying it at university and then playing it professionally.

The double title holder recently won the 2017 National Youth Jazz Competition for Most Outstanding Keyboard Player and Best Pianist Under 25. 

         

He now has his sights firmly set on becoming a professional jazz musician.

Anthony and Makere Wilson are keen for their son Eli to follow his passion of becoming a devoted jazz musician and in July of 2016 Eli travelled with his dad to the University of North Texas. 

In search of opportunities for Eli to grow his musical talent they met with John Murphy Professor and Chair, Division of Jazz Studies and teacher of jazz history composition and performance, to discuss admission requirements.      

Prominent American based Jazz musicians and educators Dewayne Pate and Matt Harris were judges at this year’s 40th National Youth Jazz Festival. Encouraged by their comments Eli is making plans to travel in June for a second time to University of North Texas with a view to enrol. 

When asked of musical influences Eli said, “Music has always been part of family life for the Wilson family and as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have used hymns to invite the Spirit of the Lord to create a feeling of reverence and provide a way to offer praises to the Lord."

Eli’s mum Makere added, "At primary and intermediate school Eli sang in the school choir and at Auckland Grammar School he plays in the school’s Big Band and is an original member of the rock band Hap-Hazard who in 2016 won Battle of the Bands."

Eli is a fan of Stevie Wonder and his other major jazz influences include Cory Henry a jazz organist and pianist, gospel musician and music producer as well as Herbie Hancock. Eli’s personal favourite is Stevie Wonder who Eli describes as playing really bold, juicy and jazzy sounds.

For more go to: http://www.jazz.org.nz/2017-events/national-youth-jazz-competition

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