Steven Chelliah
East Village
Summary
Internationally recognized multi-award-winning guitarist and composer with dual honors from Berklee College of Music. Successfully led a lessons department for 250 students, implementing workflow improvements that increased efficiency while enhancing student achievement through tailored instruction and proactive team coaching.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Published Author
Guitar Vivo
02.2024 - Current
- Author of upcoming FuzAsian Jazz Guitar Method Book Bundle and DVD.
- United Kingdom
Manager of Lessons Department
Guitar Center Studios
Manhattan
07.2022 - Current
- Managed lesson programs for 250 students and a team of 15 faculty members in private and group formats.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to uphold positive brand image.
- Organized team activities to enhance camaraderie and foster a positive workplace culture.
- Implemented workflow improvements that increased studio efficiency.
- Coached and mentored team members, enhancing job performance and productivity.
- Developed strategies to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty through targeted initiatives.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Oversaw monthly and annual budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Guitar, Composition and Music Theory Instructor
Soyulla Artists
New York
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Deliver comprehensive guitar instruction encompassing jazz, rock, acoustic fingerstyle, and classical styles in both in-person and online formats.
- Planned instruction to achieve objectives based upon student needs and established curriculum.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
Instructor, Youth Orchestra Director
Queens Music Academy
12.2016 - 01.2021
- Delivered in-person and online lessons in guitar, music theory, production, piano, and rock band across all age groups.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Implemented instructional techniques customized for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Organized student performances to showcase musical talents and promote community involvement.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student progress and provide support strategies.
- Maintained a positive classroom environment that fostered creativity and expression.
- Utilized technology effectively for lesson delivery and communication with students.
- Mentored students in music theory, composition, and instrumental techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Jazz Composition, Contemporary Writing & Production
Berklee College of Music
New York05-2011
Skills
- Jazz guitar mastery
- Rock guitar expertise
- Jazz composition and theory
- Advanced harmony
- Music theory
- Conducting skills
- Curriculum development
- Project management
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Customer relationship management
- Student mentoring
- Music direction
- Music production
- Education administration
- Problem-solving skills
- Situational adaptability
- Music composition expertise
- Educational technology proficiency
- Event organization
Affiliations
- Voting Member of the Grammys - Recording Academy (NARAS)
- ASCAP
- Guitar Vivo - United Kingdom
Awards
- September 2025, Best Alternative Artist, Indie Music Channel Awards
- April 2025, 10 International Music Awards, Indie Music Channel - Radio Awards Full Award List on www.stevenchelliah.com, in awards section)
- September 2024, 4 International Music Awards, Indie Music Channel Awards (Full Award List on www.stevenchelliah.com, in awards section)
- New York Founddation of the Arts (NYFA) - Creative Grant Award for FuzAsian Book and Concert
- Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) - Grant Award for FuzAsian album recording
Profile
Steven Chelliah, International Multi-Award Winning Guitarist, Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Author, Music Educator, Director of Music Education and Curriculum Management, 857-383-0834, schelliah@alumni.berklee.edu, www.stevenchelliah.com, Stuytown Apartments, East Village, New York, 10009
Websites
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Malay
Professional
Timeline
Published Author
Guitar Vivo
02.2024 - Current
Manager of Lessons Department
Guitar Center Studios
07.2022 - Current
Guitar, Composition and Music Theory Instructor
Soyulla Artists
05.2022 - 09.2022
Instructor, Youth Orchestra Director
Queens Music Academy
12.2016 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Music - Jazz Composition, Contemporary Writing & Production
Berklee College of Music