Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence

Eliza Fath
Cello, Suzuki Cello

Eliza studied at Juilliard Pre-College with Dr. Clara Kim. For her B Mus in Cello Performance she studied with Melissa Kraut at Cleveland Institute of Music, where she also completed her Diploma in Professional Studies, and certification in Suzuki Cello Pedagogy, books 1 – 10. She then completed her M Mus in Cello Performance at Manhattan School of Music, studying with Phillipe Mueller.

Eliza was on the faculty of several music schools in Ohio, teaching cello with both traditional and Suzuki methods, coaching ensembles, tutoring music theory, and helping students prepare for successful auditions to precollege and college programs including the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ohio University’s Music Program, the Peabody Institute and the Juilliard School. She also worked with neurodivergent students and those with intellectual challenges, and with police officers injured in the line of duty.

Eliza has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Paul Hall, Severance Music Center, and others throughout Europe and in South Korea. Music Festival highlights include Great Mountains Music Festival, Sitka International Cello Seminar, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Heifetz International Music Institute, Busan Music Festival, and Musicalp in Courchevel, France.

Meet Eliza

1. How/what age did you start your instrument?
   I started cello two weeks before my fifth birthday. My mom called our local Suzuki school and asked for their most patient teacher - regardless of instrument! They recommended the cello teacher, and that’s how I got started.
2. Did you come from a musical family?
   My great-great-grandmother was a concert pianist. My older sister did play violin for some time, but I was the primary musician.
3. Best or funniest (or even worst!) musical memory from childhood?
   At thirteen, I auditioned for the Juilliard School’s Pre-College division. My mom told me she would get me a waterslide if I was accepted. She didn’t anticipate me getting in, so when I did, she negotiated me down to getting a very nice purse instead, which I still have today!
4. A highlight or two from your performing career:
   Playing at Carnegie Hall for the first time with my former trio was a major highlight from my performing career.
5. What do you love about teaching?
   Teaching presents new challenges every day because every student is unique in their own way. I love the problem-solving component, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my students.
6. What would you like your students to know about you?
   I want my students to know that their voices and opinions matter in my classroom. Learning is a collaborative process, and while it can sometimes be challenging, I make space for creativity, curiosity, and fun along the way.
7. Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
   I can touch my tongue to my nose!