SHERBURNE, ERIK (b. 1979)

Erik Sherburne’s (b. 1979) interest in music began at an early age, first by playing drums and then taking piano lessons when he was 6 years old. His parents and teachers recognized his creativity and encouraged him to improvise and “play by ear," which led to his beginning to write his own music. As a freshman in high school, Erik wrote “Raindrops” for the jazz band, and later composed “Ferro Ignique” for the concert band.

 

In 2001, he earned a B.A. in Music with an emphasis in Theory and Composition from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He studied with Dr. Juan Tony Guzman, Dr. John Morrison, and Dr. Neil Flory. At Luther, he wrote and arranged for the jazz band, jazz combos, the theatre and dance department and numerous student recitals. His creativity and versatility were showcased during his two composition recitals which included pieces written for 3 pianos, a string orchestra with jazz combo, male vocal quartet, a timpani duet on 8 timpani, and a brass band, to name a few.

 

In college, Erik began to receive commissions and work as a composer. He has written and arranged music for solo artists, festivals, high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, middle school and high school concert bands and choirs and churches throughout the Midwest.

 

He and his wife, Kaia, and daughter, Norah, live in St. Paul, Minnesota where he remains active as a composer, arranger and performer.