<H2>Music Instruction Services</H2>
Teacher Bio
Erik Kaarla has been involved in musical performance and education ever since attending the musical high school, Tapiolan Lukio of Helsinki, Finland. Under the tutelage of world-renowned conductor, Martti Lappalainen of the Espoo Big Band, Erik Kaarla quickly found a direction in guitar studies, musical production, and songwriting. He was awarded pro musica honors at commencement.
After moving to Boston in 1984 and graduating from Emerson College as a professional writing major, Erik formed and performed with the groups “Blue Harvest,” “Brandt,” and “Inside Pocket.” Most of the compositions performed by these groups were written by Erik and presented in a variety of venues around Massachusetts. Erik continued his musical education at Cape Cod Community College with Dr. Robert Kidd studying choral music styles. In 1999, Erik completed his masters degree studies at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in professional writing, though he continued to study music independently.
In the summer of 2000, Erik moved to Burlington, Vermont to escape the overcrowded lifestyle of Massachusetts. He performed with the jazz group “Prim and Proper” for a time while providing special education programs for the CP Stepping Stones School. Erik continues to develop new musical programs and to help students to improve their musical language.
Teaching Statement
I provide highly specialized musical instruction with an emphasis on general musicality, knowledge of genre-specific techniques, and original composition. My main focus tends to be on the direction that the individual student wants to go in. Some students may aspire to become great technicians, while other students may simply be interested in exploring their creativity through the language of music. Before embarking on a program of study, I always inquire into the direction that the student wants to go in. At this point I will tailor my teaching to fit with the schedule and pathway that the student wants to embark upon in relation to the guitar or bass.
