His other compositions consist of several sacred choral works and a number of symphonic pieces written in a style similar to his contemporaries Giacomo Puccini, Alberto Franchetti, and Pietro Mascagni.

[2] Upon completing his studies, he embarked on a career as a music teacher; working first at the newly established Institute of the Blind in Bologna from 1882 to 1886.

[2] The pair survived over the next five years through busking on the streets; singing duets together, and occasionally resorting to petty theft.

[2] Zuelli's experiences working in the theatre with Cattellani increased his interests in music, and he was ultimately able to pursue training as a musician at the Liceo Musicale in Bologna through the financial support of a wealthy benefactor.

[2] While still in school, Zuelli made his professional debut as a conductor during Carnival of 1882 leading a performance of Achille Lucidi's opera Ivan that was mounted by the Società felsinea di Bologna.

[2] His first composition of note, the symphonic poem for choir and orchestra Un saluto al mare, suddiviso in quattro parti premiered at his graduation ceremony in July 1882 by the student orchestra and chorus of the Liceo Musicale; and not long after the third movement of that work was accepted for publication by Casa Ricordi.

[2] Following his graduation, he obtained employment as a music teacher at the newly founded Institute for the Blind in Bologna where he taught from 1882 through 1886.

[2] Zuelli drew critical acclaim for his one act opera Fata del Nord which premiered at the Teatro Manzoni in Milan on 4 May 1884.

[2] His conducting schedule slowed after he was unanimously appointed director of the Civica Scuola Musicale in Forli in 1889 by a committee made up of professors from the Naples Conservatory.

[2] With his wife having died in 1910, Zuelli spent the final years of his life in Milan in the home of one of his pupils from Alessandria, the soprano Magda Piccarolo, whom he helped get established on the opera stage.