Starland Blog

What are the things that YOU know about Mr. Eric Myers?  He is an amazing pianist, teacher and musician; those things will never be in question.  However, behind his quiet and unassuming demeanor there is a passion for music, people and life in general that is unsurpassed.  I hope you enjoy this peek into the past and present experiences that have made him the man he is today.

Eric started piano lessons at the ripe old age of six and has been hooked on music ever since.  He played piano for several years until he was given a drum-set for his tenth birthday!  Eric faced at an early age the dilemma all musicians eventually face… which instrument do I play?!?!  Playing a musical instrument is like eating a chip, you can never eat (or play) just one!  So, Eric decided to step away from piano for a little while and pursue drum lessons.  “I was so excited!” remembers Eric.  Shortly after starting drum lessons, Eric started a garage band with his brother called “Speed Queens”.  “My brother was a huge influence on me to pursue music!”  In high school, Eric played the drums in a rock band.  “The band went through so many name changes it’s hard to remember what they all were!” Eric reflects.  The one thing Eric clearly remembers however, is how much fun they had.

Also in high school, Eric started listening to a lot of jazz music.  As a result of those jazz inspirations and influences, he became serious about his future in music.  Eric attended Bard College, not far from where he grew up, in upstate New York and graduated with a double major in Music and Chinese in 1999.  It was during these years that the piano solidified itself as Eric’s primary instrument.

Along with completing a double major, Eric also met his lovey wife Melka while at Bard.  After graduation they went together to Suzhou, China to teach English for a year.  “It was a great experience!” remembers Eric.  When they got back to the states Eric continued to develop his newly discovered passion for teaching by accepting a job at a special needs school, where he taught for the next year.

In 2001, Eric got accepted into the Master of Arts program at Mills College here in the Bay Area.  So, without further ado, Eric and Melka packed up their belongings and moved out West to California.  I think it’s safe to say, after almost ten years of flourishing in the Bay Area, that Eric made the right choice in coming to California.  Of course, this is no surprise to any of you reading this since you all live in the fabulous Bay Area too!  Eric graduated from Mills College with his Master of Arts in Music Composition in 2003.

Eric started teaching piano and drum lessons privately in 2002.  Then, in 2005, Eric started working for Starland Music!  ”It’s a great place to work!” says Eric.  ”It’s very rewarding as a teacher to see a student overcome obstacles and finally get IT!”  Eric is very excited to be helping his students to prepare for the recital he is planning to take place later this year!

Along with teaching, Eric also started working for Melody of China in 2006.  What started out as an administrative type position, turned into much more when he started writing songs for them using traditional Chinese instruments.  ”Meandering Streams” and “Butterfly’s Beginnings” are just two of his more recent pieces.  With titles like that I knew I was in for an amazing listening experience, and they did not disappoint!  I especially loved “Scattered Seconds”.  If you would like to listen to Eric’s music (and read his blog!) please visit www.emtones.com.

Q&A With Eric Myers

KA:  Now that summer is just around the corner, what summer time activity are you most looking forward to?

EM:  I am looking forward to going to Lake Tahoe with my friends from back home later this summer.  I am also looking forward to camping and hiking.

A:  What kind of music do you enjoy playing the most?

EM:  Jazz!  More recently I have been focusing on improving my ragtime chops!

KA:  What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

EM:  Cookies&Cream or Chocolate Peanut Butter.

KA:  Who are your musical inspirations?

EM:  Fats Waller, Scott Joplin, McCoy Tyner, Thelonious Monk and Ahmad Jamal just to name a few.

KA:  Do you have any hobbies outside of music?

EM:  I am really getting into web design, and I enjoy doing yoga and hiking with my wife.