Eric S.

Piano

Genres: Classical, Contemporary

Teaches in English

​

Eric S. is a pianist, composer, and educator who loves spreading the love and joy of music to all who are interested in experiencing it, whether through an exciting performance, a heartfelt lesson, or in a classroom setting. Growing up in Brooklyn, Eric participated in a wide variety of grassroots youth programs right here in New York City, such as the New York City All-City High School Jazz Band, Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Fat Cats Big Band, Owen Howard’s Brooklyn Youth Music Project, and studying privately at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Eric also studied privately with Jacob Sacks for one year.

Eric studied at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, and during his four years there he had the opportunity to work with Christian McBride, Shelly Berg, Martin Bejerano, Brian Lynch, Dafnis Prieto, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and James Francies, among others. Upon graduation, Eric returned to New York to study at the Manhattan School of Music for his Masters degree with Ted Rosenthal, Phil Markowitz, Jon Faddis, Buster Williams, Nicole Glover and Jon Benitez.

Eric leads two bands actively, his quintet and his trio. The Quintet has performed in New York at ShapeShifter Lab and Chelsea Table+Stage, as well as in Miami at Lagniappe House. The Trio recently went on a mini-tour of Florida, performing in St. Petersburg, Miami, and Orlando. Eric has also led the trio at SoapBox Gallery in NYC, accompanied by special guests Tyreek McDole and Abdias Armenteros. He also plays as a sideman for multiple groups, such as Vladimir Cetkar’s soul/funk band, acclaimed vocalist Joie Bianco, trumpeter Kellin Hanas, and a number of others. He is the winner of the Bosendorfer Prize of the 2022 American Jazz Pianist Competition, and attended the 2022 JAS Summer Jazz Academy.

Eric's teaching philosophy is based on a highly individual approach. He believes that no two students are exactly alike and he meets each student where they are at. Eric strives to cultivate their love and appreciation for the arts, music, and obviously, the piano. Let’s start working today!

​

​

​

​