Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Eric first came to love jazz when he began playing in his middle school big band. Throughout high school Eric further pursued his passion for music, winning awards at high school jazz festivals up and down the West Coast. In 2002 Eric enrolled at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where he studied with Shelly Berg, Jason Goldman, Alan Pasqua, and Bob Sheppard, among many others. While in school Eric played a key role in the outreach program called JazzReach, for which he coordinated Manual Arts High School Jazz Ensemble for a year.
In 2004 he lead the Southern California Jazz Collective on a tour of Southern California and Lima, Peru. In the fall of 2005 Eric was also named as one of the winners of the coveted John Coltrane Memorial Scholarship. Eric graduated from USC in May of 2006 after having the opportunity to play with many legends of music, some of which included Bobby McFerrin, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter, and even rock legend Steve Miller. Eric currently plays and teaches professionally throughout the LA area. His projects include both electric and acoustic jazz ensembles, composition, arranging, and writing a new book on beginning jazz improvisation.
Playing in Los Angeles
Eric currently enjoys working with many award winning organizations and ensembles including: The Children’s Music Workshop, Downey High School Jazz Combo, Culver City Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, The Los Angeles County High School For The Arts, The South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory, Cornerstone Conservatory, MiX USC, CityLight Church and too many outstanding performing musicians to name!
Lioness
My Shining Hour
Come Away With Me
Off The Map