Eli Ouba | Drum Lessons Teacher

Eli Ouoba is a drummer, classical percussionist, and software engineer based in the Chicago area. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Wheaton College. With over a decade of experience studying and performing on drum set, he excels across a wide range of genres, specializing in jazz, jazz fusion, and contemporary Christian music.

Eli’s musical journey has led him to collaborate as a live drummer, session musician, and recording artist for professional choirs, theater productions, and independent artists. He also gigs frequently for churches, shows, and weddings in Chicagoland. He has performed and recorded with professional ensembles including the Dainava Lithuanian Chorale, the Hinsdale Chorale, and the Wheaton College Arena Theater.

In his time at Wheaton College, Eli studied classical percussion with Dr. Kathleen Kastner and Mr. Michael Folker. He also studied drum set with Mr. Lucas Gillan. He gained extensive experience at Wheaton as a music major and regular member of the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Chapel Band. He also served as a teaching assistant for several music theory classes.

Eli’s musical education extends beyond drums; he has taken lessons in piano and guitar as well. His musical tastes are reflected in his performances across classical, jazz, concert band, orchestral, worship, contemporary Christian, gospel, rock, and world music. As a drummer, he draws inspiration from jazz fusion and funk artists like Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, Larnell Lewis, Shaun Martin, and Vulfpeck.

Eli has a natural interest in music theory, especially aural analysis. He enjoys transcribing and arranging movie scores, classical repertoire, improvised jazz, and music from television.

As a teacher, Eli strives to understand and refine each student’s musical tastes, teaching them to explore the drums through their favorite styles and artists. He guides students toward connecting with the music they love through drums on several levels: technically, emotionally, and artistically. He regularly works with students who enjoy music of all kinds – from films and radio to classic albums and rock bands.

Alongside teaching drums, Eli works as a software engineer. In his spare time, Eli enjoys weightlifting, cycling, Ultimate Frisbee, and racket sports.