Are you looking for next-level entertainment from an internationally performing artist? If so, Eli Willis offers high-level violin playing for any type of occasion, from weddings, private events, to accompanying in recitals. He has performed in over 15 different countries in some of the nicest halls the world has to offer, sharing the stage with artists such as In-Mo Yang, Anna Fedorova, and Zuill Bailey. He can perform most genres and has the ability to improvise as needed.
5 reviews
Thomas P.
March 3, 2026Strong violinist! Very nice guy. Very prompt, and willing to play as much as I asked for. Very impressed with his rendition of ‘Ashoken Farewell’.
Hired as: Violinist
Celeste S.
February 1, 2026Eli is such a skilled violinist. He did an absolutely phenomenal job playing the violin at our Bridgerton tea party, and everyone commented on how talented he is; he was the highlight of the entire party. He is not only such a skilled musician but such a kind human being. He took requests from everyone and played with such heart. You could see how deeply he cares about putting together a great performance. He also prepared in advance, incorporating all the songs I requested from Bridgerton. Thank you for making our event so special and memorable, Eli. It was definitely a core memory day for me, thanks to your great performance.
Hired as: Violinist
Jm
December 28, 2025He came and delivered what is expected of him.
Hired as: Violinist
Michelle Q.
December 7, 2025Eli was fantastic! Eli's music is wonderful. He brought such joy to our party. Our guests kept raving about his performance. I will not be surprised if we get requests for his phone number because he was a hit. He played beautifully and gave our event life! Thank you Eli! I highly recommend his services.
Hired as: Violinist
Daniela B.
November 24, 2025Eli was a fantastic violinist for our short civil wedding ceremony, which was more like an elopement. We wanted a way to make our ceremony feel more official, so we tried to find a violinist with less than a week’s notice. Eli was so responsive and communicative with us, and flexible when our timing changed a bit day of. He showed up on time and dress in a nice suit.
His talent with a violin was fabulous: it completely changed our simple ceremony into a beautiful and romantic memory. All of us were so grateful for his performance, and he was so kind and professional throughout.
Several of my friends asked about booking him for future events and I’d recommend him in a heartbeat if you want a talented and professional violinist!
Hired as: Violinist
Price range: $500+
Languages: English, German
Gig length: 30 - 180 minutes
I offer high-level violin playing with personality. I am fit for the occasion; whether it be a party or church service, I will bring playing the suits the mood or the environment of the occasion. I have experience with most popular genres and play well off others, if working with a group is up for consideration.
What to expect:
-guranteed prepared and high-level, one-of-a-kind playing
-flexible set list and playing style depending on the venue and type of occasion
-reliable communication and professionalism
-personable and charismatic, suitable to be a main act
Timothy (Eli) Willis is a classically trained violinist with a Master of Music in Violin Performance from Boston University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. A passionate and accomplished performer, Eli has held leadership positions such as Concertmaster of the Boston University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and has performed with ensembles including: the Evansville, Richmond, Elmhurst, Southwest, and Sacramento Symphonies. Eli is also a prolific performer in weddings, recordings, and private events. His musical journey has taken him on international tours with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra three separate times, to regional as well as national competitions, and to the finals of the 2025 Claude Debussy Competition Paris and the 2024 International Artists Competition Vienna. Eli studied under distinguished mentors such as Peter Zazofsky, Kevork Mardirossian, and Lynn Chang, and has performed in masterclasses with leading artists including Guillermo Figueroa and Ann Setzer. He is currently based in the San Francisco bay area.
The stage and performance setup entirely depends on the venue and type of event.
For one, is the music. I can perform from either memory or music, but it is helpful if you let me know in advance what type of music you would like for me to play and if there are special requests. Having someone to cue the timing of certain requested songs is also important.
Depending on the venue, I may just need a microphone. I provide my own stand, page turner, and instrument but if the venue and or/party calls for it, then I may need a microphone or any similar type of equipment.
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
12:30pm - 1:00pm
•
Martinez, CA
Thursday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Lodi, CA
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Berkeley, CA
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Tiburon, CA
Sunday
House Party
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
San Ramon, CA
Sunday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 6:45pm
•
Santa Clara, CA
Saturday
Baby Shower
1:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Pleasant Hill, CA
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
San Mateo, CA
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 5:15pm
•
Oakland, CA
I revere old-school classical violin players such as Jasha Heifetz, David Oisrakh, and Leonid Kogan. Some of the more contemporary players I enjoy listening to and who inspire me would be Maxim Vengerov and Anne-Sophie Mutter. I appreciate the subtle nuances and expressive playing, which is something I try to incorporate in my own playing.
Aside from the classical genre, I admire Ed Sheeran for his consistency and intimate love songs.
Violinist
