Originally from Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, Erik over the last decade has performed across Ontario and certain states in the U.S. with big bands, chamber ensembles, symphonies, and wind orchestras since 2009. Erik has had the opportunity to perform in some of the biggest halls in North America such as Symphony Hall in Chicago, Illinois, and Carnegie Hall in NYC. Erik completed his trumpet performance studies under the direction of Guy Few, professor of trumpet at Wilfrid Laurier University. While at Laurier the opportunity to be an assistant conductor position came to fruition under the direction of Dr. Jessica Kun and the Wilfrid Laurier Wind Orchestra for the 2018-2019 season. In November 2021, Erik was a finals participant in the first edition of the Frederick Fennell Conducting Competition which focused on the discipline of wind orchestra conducting and wind band repertoire. At present moment Erik is now pursuing further development in conducting through the process of masterclasses and workshops. February 2022 included back-to-back orchestral conducting masterclasses, the first under the direction of conductor Alexander Polyanichko, while the second under conductor René Gulikers. Erik continually invests interest in developing his musical skills in conducting, teaching, and performing the trumpet while engaging in start-up projects with friends, like the Nickel City Big Band (Sudbury, Ontario) and the Laurier Brass Ensemble (Waterloo, Ontario). Erik currently holds the Assistant Principal Trumpet chair with the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra, performs in the Kitchener-Waterloo region with Bent Brass, a chamber brass trio while freelancing as a conductor.