Eric Sutz graduated with a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University. He has been a working musician, arranger, conductor and teacher for over thirty five years and supported his DePaul studies through playing a wide variety of engagements and teaching piano and guitar. In addition to playing for singers, production companies and local groups, he also worked as a musical director and conductor for Chicago area theaters and choirs. For fifteen years Eric took part-time and full time jobs as a rehearsal and audition pianist for the Candlelight, Marriot Lincolnshire, Wisdom Bridge and Goodman Theater. Eric taught at Carmel HS as the associate and primary choral director and was the accompanist, rehearsal and solo pianist for the European tour of their concert choir. He has studied classical piano with Eloise Niwa, conducting with Dr.William Huber and Kevin Stites, and jazz piano with Judy Roberts, Howard Levy, Larry Novak, Willie Pickens, John Campbell, Joel Daley, Mike Kocour, and Joan Hickey. He studied the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer. He has been an active member of the NSMTA (serving as president from 2006-2008) since 1978. His book: “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively” was published in 1986. Eric is a faculty member of the Music Institute of Chicago and Stevenson HS where he teaches Piano and Guitar.