Instructor Spotlight: Eric Stalter

To call Eric Stalter’s musical talent “multifaceted” would be to massively undersell it. He first picked up the viola in 4th grade and the bass in 6th grade.  Then, in college started branching out to all the other instruments, and then in the last 10 – 15 years has picked up banjo, mandolin, ukulele, dobro, and anything else that has strings.  Eric loves music for its ability to connect people. He says that a shared interest in a particular artist is an immediate connection point and that a simple melody, even without words, can tell a powerful story.  Eric juggles his 20yr passion for teaching music with playing in his church praise band and orchestra and working as a Certified Surgical Technologist.  He and his wife Alissa have two children, Jackson and Addison.  At the end of a long day, Eric can unwind with one of his toys from his Rubik’s Cube collection; even a 7x7x7 Cube.

“I think teaching to love music is more important than teaching how to play a specific instrument; however, I think exploring music through an instrument is very beneficial. The love of music becomes a lifelong endeavor; that’s why I place that first.  I do believe that it is easier to explore all facets of music through a well-played instrument, and that is where lessons come into play.  When a student understands that music is a language and whatever instrument(s) we choose to play become our voice in music, then a whole world opens up. Growing up, my family did not have the ability to pay for my lessons. I had people help open that world to me when I was younger and had plenty of encouragement; now it’s my time to encourage everyone to play music no matter their financial circumstances.  This journey can begin at any time – no restrictions.” – Eric