Erik S  
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Euphonium, Tuba, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Marching Band

Erik S. has been teaching private music lessons since 2019, working with students of many ages and skill levels. His teaching experience began through private instruction and quickly expanded into leadership roles where he focused on helping students grow both musically and personally. Erik helped start and lead a music program for college students, designed to develop musical excellence while also teaching students how to become leaders within an ensemble setting. The program emphasized strong musicianship, discipline, and collaborative performance. After this, Erik continued teaching private lessons in Easton, Pennsylvania, building a studio focused on strong musical fundamentals, confidence, and long-term growth for students. He currently serves as the band director for the homeschool co-op Knowlton Fine Arts, where he leads students in ensemble playing and helps guide their musical development through structured band instruction. In addition to directing the band program, Erik is also a brass instructor at The Lesson Center, teaching at three locations and working with brass students to strengthen technique, tone, and musical expression. Through private instruction, ensemble leadership, and classroom teaching, Erik is committed to helping students develop both musical excellence and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Erik S.’s teaching philosophy centers on building a strong musical foundation first, allowing students to develop confidence, technique, and musical understanding that will support them as they grow. For beginning brass students, Erik starts with the Hal Leonard Essential Elements series. This method helps students learn proper fundamentals such as tone production, reading music, rhythm, and ensemble awareness. As students progress to an intermediate level, they transition into additional method books that continue to strengthen technique and musical development. For piano students, Erik teaches from the Hal Leonard Piano Lesson Books, which provide a structured and well-balanced approach to learning piano. These books help students develop reading skills, coordination, technique, and musical understanding while building a strong foundation that supports long-term progress. For drum set students, Erik typically begins with the Hal Leonard Drumset Method Book, which introduces students to core drum set skills such as groove development, coordination, timing, and reading rhythms. Across all instruments, Erik gradually introduces songs and repertoire as students become stronger musicians. This allows students to apply the skills they are learning while staying motivated and engaged through music they enjoy playing. By combining structured method books with practical musical application, Erik helps students build the technical skills, musical understanding, and confidence needed to grow as musicians.