Even if you haven’t heard of Elliana Koulouris, if you’ve attended a live event in the Alle-Kiski Valley, you’ve probably heard her voice.
The Lower Burrell teenager has made a name for herself over the past six years singing at events, games and festivals, performing in theater, and writing and recording her own songs.
And now, after graduating from Burrell High School this month, Koulouris, 18, is heading off to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston in the fall, majoring in voice, songwriting and professional music. She moves in Aug. 23.
“I’m excited to meet other people who love music as much as I do, and to collaborate and create art,” she said. “It will be very cool to go up there and meet everyone. I definitely can’t want to create art all the time, and do music ‘on the daily.’ ”
Koulouris’ short yet distinguished musical career has been a culmination of hard work and determination.
“Her ability to write and create her own stuff — she works very hard to make it happen,” said her mother, Wendy.
As a kid, Koulouris got a ukulele for Christmas and taught herself basic chords. She has been playing the piano since she was 4 years old. She started writing her own music when she was 12.
“Piano has always been a way for me to relax and even challenge myself,” she said.
Koulouris said that once she sits down to write, something clicks and things flow quite easily. Singing, songwriting and making music is a fun and even therapeutic process for her.
“Once I get going and in my groove, I can finish a chorus in 30 minutes,” she said.
Koulouris said she has always had an appreciation for live music. She describes her musical style as indie pop.
She grew up listening to her mother sing in local bands, like Sweet Judys, covering anything from bluegrass and blues to jazz and covers of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young songs and more.
“I want to have a unique style that people can recognize,” Koulouris said.
Elliana Koulouris already has made a name for herself: She’s performed the national anthem for the local VFW and American Legion, area sports teams and a Pirates game.
She’s singing the anthem again at a Pirates game at PNC Park on June 30.
Koulouris and her band, Elliana and Company — which includes her younger brother, Spiro; and friend Jake Szlachetka — have played gigs around the Pittsburgh area, including the Millvale Music Festival and local venues like Mogie’s Magill Grill in Lower Burrell, and in Ohio. She and the band have multiple shows booked over the summer at local establishments.
She’s also finishing up her first full-length album, after releasing an EP three years ago, which is available on streaming platforms.
“It’s a long process to create an album,” Koulouris said. “It takes a long time to create something I’m proud of, and I’m proud of what we’re doing so far.”
Koulouris is also drawn to musical theater. She plays the title role in “Cinderella” at the Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale, June 19-22.
In addition to singing and songwriting, Koulouris was a member of Burrell’s National Honor Society, student government and theater. During Burrell’s fall play, “The Tempest,” Elliana and Spiro composed 12 original tracks under Shakespeare’s written word.
“It was really cool to look at it and say, ‘Oh, I composed something for the first time,’ ” Elliana said. “It was neat and deepened my love for theater and using music to tell a story.”
Voice instructor Betsy Lawrence said Koulouris was made to be a singer and songwriter. They connected about five years ago and Lawrence was impressed when Koulouris sang one of her original songs.
“Her lyrics are so truthful, and yet so singable,” said Lawrence, of Mt. Lebanon. “They are so true to life. She oozed ‘This is what I was born to do.’ ”
The relationship between student and teacher is special: “Elliana was made to do it,” Lawrence said. “It’s such a congruent and cohesive relationship between teacher and student.”
Said Koulouris: “Betsy, from the minute I met her, was all-in on my music and my voice. She’s not only my voice teacher, but also my friend.
“She’ll always tell me the truth, but will really support me and always believe in me.”
Koulouris hopes to continue her success under the tutelage at Berklee.
“Consistency is always going to beat talent,” she said. “If I’m not consistent, and don’t work hard, nothing is going to be handed to me. I’m excited for the challenge, and work hard, and hopefully be successful.”
