Eric Sutz graduated with a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University in 1980. While at DePaul, he played a wide variety of engagements in addition to teaching piano and guitar. He has been employed as a musician, accompanist, arranger, conductor, and teacher for over 47 years.

From 1981-1993, Eric worked full time as a music director, rehearsal and audition pianist for Candlelight, Marriott Lincolnshire, Wisdom Bridge, and Goodman Theater. Eric also taught music theory at Carmel HS and was the assistant and primary choral director, accompanist, and solo pianist for the European tour of the Carmel Concert Choir.

Eric 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 Greg Fishman. He also studied the history and styles of the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer. He has been an active member of the NSMTA since 1978.

He has presented programs for teachers and schools since 1985. His book, “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively,” was first published in 1986 and has had three printings. Eric is a faculty member of the Music Institute of Chicago and has been teaching in his Wheeling, IL, home studio since 1984. His hobbies include martial arts, investing, travel, yoga, self-care, scuba diving, history, natural history, and reading.