Biography
EDUCATION
M.M., New Jersey City University, 2015
Multiple Woodwind Performance
B.M., Ithaca College, 2012
Saxophone Performance and Music Education
LIFE
Multiple Woodwind artist Erika Friedman holds education and performance degrees from Ithaca College (B.M. in Music Education and Saxophone Performance) and New Jersey City University (M.M. in Multiple Woodwind Performance). She has studied with saxophonist Dr. Steven Mauk, and NYC based woodwind doublers, Ed Joffe, Giuseppe Fusco, Dave Noland and flutists, Jeanne Wilson and Janet Axelrod. Her intensive undergraduate and graduate studies have helped her become a versatile performer, allowing her to excel in a variety of performance settings ranging from classical to commercial music. She particularly enjoys musical theater and performing in pit orchestras. Erika has had the pleasure of touring as the Reed player for the National/International Broadway shows of "The Prom," "Kinky Boots," "The Bodyguard," "Annie" and "The Producers”. Her travels brought her to 49 US states, 7 Canadian provinces and parts of Southeast Asia.
Erika also loves to teach! She has taught private and group lessons for almost fifteen years and her experiences range from children as young as two years old to adults. She meets each student wherever they’re at on their musical journey while emphasizing the importance of proper embouchure, good posture, air support, intonation and the practice of scales. It is important to Erika that she builds a strong rapport with her students. She takes time to get to know her students personally, discusses short and long term goals, identifies musical strengths and addresses musical weaknesses. Her woodwind specialties include flutes, clarinets, saxophones and EWI. She maintains a private studio in Manhatten teaching flute, clarinet, saxophone, EWI and piano lessons to students of all ages, levels and interests.
When she is not performing or teaching, Erika enjoys discovering local coffee shops, traveling and paddle boarding!
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
