Elia Gaitau

Born in 1973 and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Elia is now based in Japan. He began learning piano at age 9 and grew up immersed in a wide range of musical genres. As the youngest of 10, Elia’s Samoan/Niuean heritage remains a key influence in his life. During high school, he played in the school’s funk and big bands. After a two-year church mission in Perth, Australia, he studied Jazz piano at the Wellington Conservatorium of Music, performing with various bands to fund his studies. Elia’s versatility as a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator keeps him in high demand across multiple genres, including R&B, Motown, Latin, reggae, and more.