Erika attended Oberlin Conservatory as a viola performance and music education major. She holds a Master of Teaching as well as a Master of Arts in Writing from Chatham College. Erika also has had Suzuki and Montessori Training. She has considerable experience with coaching and conducting string ensembles, teaching theory, and private string instruction.
Erika was a National Solo Competition Semi-Finalist in 1992, and has held numerous principal Viola positions. She has played under the direction of Leonard Slatkin, David Lobel, and Kirk Muspratt. Erika has also studied with Thomas Dumm and Jeff Irvine. Currently, she is Principal Violist with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, and is a member of their Board of Directors.
Erika is presently on the faculty of Seton Center School of Music, Sweetwater Center for the Arts, and The Glen Montessori School as a string teacher. In addition, she enjoys working with her extensive studio of private Violin and Viola students.
In addition to music, Erika’s interests include painting, quilting, jewelry making, and a variety of other arts. She and her husband, Steve live in Pittsburgh, and are expecting their first child in July.
Pittsburgh Youth Pops Orchestra
