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B.M. Music Education M.M. Brass Performance
2001-2005 Oklahoma State University Regent's Scholar
2004 - Toured throughout England (Manchester, London)
2006- Toured through Japan (Tokyo, Hammamatsu, Kyoto)
2006- Graduated with a BM in Music Education
2011- Graduated with a MM in Brass Performance
2008-2018- Toured and recorded with groups around the US: Jazz, Americana, Symphony Orchestra, Brass Quintet, Pop, and Indie music.
I'm a freelance trumpeter and teacher who loves music and people. I have degrees in Music Education and Brass Performance. I love multiple genres of music and perform professionally formerly in the Seattle area but now in Tulsa, OK. In addition to classical music and jazz, I also like performing with chamber groups, new music groups, rock groups, and fusion groups. Many of my favorite experiences have come from playing and sharing music. It's more than a hobby to me, it's an obsession! (In a good way)
My teaching career started as I was about to graduate high school when I began teaching private trumpet lessons to beginners. In college, I continued to teach private music lessons until I got my degree in music education. Since then, I've had the privelege to teach public school, private school, music camps, as well as private lessons and tutoring (for over 13 years now). I love seeing my students grow as musicians and people, and never get tired of hearing their breakthroughs. I tailor lessons specifically to each student so they can keep their enthusiasm and improve their skills while having fun! It's never too late to start!
I use different approaches depending on the type of student I am working with. Let's be honest, everyone is different and learns differently! If I have a beginner, then I usually start with the materials they use in school and branch out from there to some of the standard technical methods like Arban's or Vizzutti's methods. In general, I like to supplement "real" music with etudes and exercises as is necessary. My biggest goal is to help the student grow in a love for music and get the skills to enjoy it to the fullest.
I am very much into individualized learning and instruction. Each of my students goes at their own pace, and while I encourage them to stretch their abilities and interests, I always keep their own goals in mind. I try hard to help my students become real musicians and not just brass players, although helping students troubleshoot their brass specific problems and frustrations is all part of the process. I think music can enrich everyone's life. Overall, I bring a positive and encouraging atmosphere to any willing student.
Super nice and helpful. My son looks forward to his weekly lesson with Erik. He's really flexible and helps with whatever my son is requesting. Be it improve or working on a specific piece. Would absolutely recommend Erik!!