Instruments: Piano, Guitar
Program Area: Adult Studies, Group Lessons, Jazz Studies, Private Instruction
Education: Bachelor of Music from Depaul University in Chicago. Private studies with Eloise Niwa/ Classical Piano.
Significant teachers and mentors: 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. Studied the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer.
Awards and achievements: President of NSMTA from 2006-2008 Member of the Year for NSMTA 2008 and 2011, Arts in Action certification for 15 straight years in Northbrook. Published “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively,” 1986.
Professional affiliations & activities: MTNA, NSMTA 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.