Eric Klotz began playing guitar when he was 9 years old, but it was around age 14 that he began to take it seriously. He started learning music theory through lessons with Bernie Stief and applying those concepts to the music he was learning at home through tableture. Being interested in Rock and Metal, the guitar parts required a lot of technique work and that became his focus for several years. As his technique progressed, the music he chose became more difficult and by age 18 his technique was impressive and his understanding of theory was solid.
In 1997, Eric began his undergraduate degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead, studying jazz with Glenn Ginn (a University of North Texas graduate). Gradually, he worked his way into the top jazz ensembles and began performing with Glenn in various settings. After graduating in 2002, Eric was hired on as the Adjunct Guitar Instructor at MSUM. His duties included teaching private lessons and performing with the faculty ensemble.
Eric began working on his masters degree at MSUM in 2005, studying with Dan Phillips (a Berklee College of Music and Northwestern University graduate). In the process of completing the degree, he began writing music consistently and since then the Eric Klotz Trio has been rehearsing, performing, and recording.
Eric has been teaching guitar professionally since 1999 through music stores, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and school systems. He has taught at the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden for the last six years. He has experience directing combos and teaching classes of twenty or more students. He is also experienced teaching theory, composition, and improvisation. Currently, he is an instructor at Glenbrook South High School (the National Grammy Signiture School of 2008!!), for Piano Lessons In Your Home, and through his private studio. Eric is also available for lessons via webcam or correspondence on www.musicvirtuosity.com.
His performance experience includes: jazz combos, big bands, solo guitar, duets, cover bands, rock horn bands, latin jazz groups, and worship bands. He is currently involved in a few new projects and continues to perform with the Eric Klotz Trio.
Other areas of significant experience include: Pro-tools, Reason, audio/video editing, guitar effects/signal chain/tone, transcribing, Finale.
