Meet Elie: Sydney Wedding Pianist Behind The Keys

Written By Elie Choueifaty

Hello all and welcome to my first piano blog post! I'm Elie, a Sydney-based wedding and event pianist, passionate about creating unforgettable atmospheres through live music locally and around the globe. I’ve had the privilege to perform at luxury weddings, corporate functions, and international events in breathtaking locations across Sydney, Italy, and Spain. I’ve also been featured in wedding films, brand collaborations, and music videos that showcase both the music and the emotions it evokes. Whether you're walking down the aisle, sipping champagne during golden hour, or celebrating with your loved ones, my mission is to set the perfect tone — note by note.

Where My Piano Journey Began

I began playing piano at the age of 7, training through the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) Classical program and developing a deep love for performance. While training on classical pieces by composers like Chopin and Scarlatti, I felt drawn to explore music beyond my piano books. I gravitated towards popular songs I loved, learning them largely by ear or from memory. Alongside this, I improvised and created my own melodies, which allowed me to express myself beyond the score, to play what I felt, and to connect with music in a more intuitive way. These skills would later become invaluable in my piano journey.
(Photo by Lustri Photography, 2025)

A Personal Turning Point

My journey wouldn’t have been possible without my mother, who drove me to every lesson without fail and sat patiently through years of scales, arpeggios, and recitals. Her quite dedication gave me the foundation I still draw on today.

In 2021, I took a step back from music after the sudden passing of my longtime teacher and mentor, Lech Czapnik - a figure who deeply shaped my musical journey. It was a big loss, like losing a family member I had seen every week, and it left me with space for reflection.

During the stillness of the COVID pandemic, I found myself returning to the piano in a new way. Like many musicians, I began sharing piano covers from home on social media. From acoustic love ballads to Pixar movie soundtracks, and everything in between, piano-playing was a way to stay connected — to music, to my late piano teacher, and to others — even in isolation.

My First Wedding Performance

My introduction to the wedding and event performance space came gently — when a close friend asked me to play piano at her home on the morning of her wedding. I was honoured to be asked — a feeling I still carry with me every time a couple or event organiser invites me to be part of their special occasion. I had practised and prepared a long setlist of love songs, many of which I had memorised over the course of my piano journey. I was ready to give it my best shot!

As I played, I found myself thinking of the piano as a kind of magic box: I could create something meaningful and emotional in real time. Seeing the smiles and quiet reactions from those who paused to listen reminded me of the joy that live music brings — not just to me, but to others.
(Photo by ImageHaus, 2021)

Soon after, I had the honour of performing at my brother’s wedding, accompanying the gifted singer Emelina Phillips during the reception. That moment reawakened my connection to live performance, and before I knew it, I was collaborating with creatives like the talented team at New Ark Films to produce a piano music video, and performing across some of Sydney’s most luxurious venues. I didn’t realise it then, but I was slowly building a brand that now reflects what I love most about music and connection.

From Classical Roots to Contemporary Romance

The transition from exam rooms and recitals to luxury weddings, corporate functions, and international events across Australia and Europe has been both unexpected and deeply rewarding — a journey shaped by passion, connection, and the joy of sharing music in meaningful moments. Recently, I was flown overseas to perform at a destination wedding in Ravello, on Italy’s Amalfi Coast — an experience I cherish and continue to offer. (Photo by Liz Andolina Photography, 2025)

Throughout my piano journey, I have been granted the opportunity to perform at a wedding ceremony at the iconic Crown Hotel in Sydney, create a promotional music video for Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona, and partake in a brand collaboration with Casio Music Australia.

While I was classically-trained, I would consider my style today blends those foundations with a contemporary, cinematic, and refined approach — performing stripped-back and acoustic arrangements of songs people know and love, including pop ballads, romantic love songs and timeless classics. If I had to describe my approach in three words: classic, elegant, and timeless.

Music for Weddings and Events, Designed Around You

Every couple, every event, every venue has its own feeling — and I believe the music should reflect that. I work closely with clients to create a customised setlist and mood, including for:

  • Ceremony entrances

  • Signing and recessional songs

  • Canapés, cocktail hour & dinner sets

  • Reception features and transitions

  • Corporate functions

  • Religious ceremonies

    …and more!

Whether I’m playing on a venue’s grand piano or bringing my own keys to a beachside wedding, my focus is always the same: to create a soundscape that elevates the energy of the day!

Why I Started This Blog

After years of performing at weddings and events, I’ve realised that music is just one part of what I offer — the other part is guidance, inspiration, and insight for couples planning their perfect day. I’ll be using this space to:

  • Share song ideas and performance clips;

  • Feature venues I’ve loved performing at;

  • Offer tips on live music for weddings and events;

  • Showcase behind-the-scenes glimpses on the journey of a live pianist; and

  • Most importantly, help couples feel confident choosing live music for their day.

Whether you’re newly engaged, deep in planning, or just love music, I hope this space becomes a helpful and inspiring corner of the internet.

Let's ELIEvate Your Event!

If you're a bride, groom, planner, event organiser or stylist looking to add live piano to your event — I'd love to hear from you.

▶️ Browse my song list and services
🎧 Watch performance videos
📨 Enquire here for availability and bookings

Piano by Elie merges my love of music with meaningful celebration. Every couple or client I work with brings a new story, a new vibe, and new inspiration — and I can't wait to help bring your vision to life.

Thanks for visiting — I hope to perform at your special event!
— Elie

Elie Choueifaty