Meet Eli Leder

We were lucky to catch up with Eli Leder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eli, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I started my journey in music in elementary school with the guidance of my music teacher. He encouraged me to join the choir, leading to other musical endeavors. I eventually established myself as a bass player, finding my role as the foundation in ensembles. I began to get serious about music when I took part in the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, where I found mentors who carry through to this day. I saw people in love with the music, who couldn’t imagine doing anything else with their lives. I wanted to be like them, bringing joy through collaboration. Sometimes I start to forget why I am putting in all of this work for a difficult career, but then I realize the impact that music can have on an audience. A lackluster performance from the eyes of the musician could be something life-changing for an audience member.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a freelance musician who arranges, composes, and performs in a variety of styles. I have the most experience in jazz, but I have also worked in classical, pop, musical theater, rock, and other circles.

I lead my own band, the Eli Leder Trio, in performances across the Greater Cleveland area. We are preparing for a busy gigging schedule over the summer, playing all different types of jazz. I also work as a sideman, helping to realize other musicians’ visions.

I study jazz bass performance at William Paterson University (an hour outside New York City) under the direction of Grammy Award-winning pianist Bill Charlap. I have had some small opportunities and intend to continue my work in the NYC area while in school.

Although I love performing, my favorite part of what I do is arranging, taking existing music and adapting it for the current situation. Arranging can turn guitar chords into a full symphony orchestra, or add a hint of sophistication to a commercial pop song. Every arranging project I’ve worked on has had its unique challenges, but understanding the instruments deeply has allowed me to make sense of the notes and rhythms, creating beautiful music.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Having an open mind. I would not have been able to do much of my past work if I had only done “jazz” gigs. I love many other types of music, and every genre has something special it brings to the table. Working with others in general requires being open to what someone else has to say, even if you may not fully agree with it.

2. Being willing to try and fail. I remember being in middle school, working with GarageBand on my parents’ computer. I would make silly little songs, learning the software along the way. Most of it was not good, but I understood that the only way to proceed was to try my best and fail many times. Now, I have a wealth of experience to rely on, and I may fail just a little less often.

3. Staying organized. I live and die by my calendar; it’s my way of keeping track of all of my responsibilities. I try to be as detailed as possible when I input something to have the most information later on. Gigs often have dress codes, rehearsal locations, or call times that are important to keep track of. My calendar acts as a friendly reminder from past me, allowing the most success in my work.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My mentor Dominick Farinacci has been critical in helping me get to where I am today. I met Dominick at the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, and he soon took me under his wing. I became a part of the most specialized ensemble in the program, where we did professional-level performances. Our biggest achievement was a performance at Dizzy’s Club in New York City. We prepared for months, putting together two sets worth of music and playing alongside New York professionals. Dominick gave me the support I needed to begin a serious pursuit in this music, and to this day, I am still learning from him whenever I get the chance.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
Working hard in 2025: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that