Biography
Eric Klotz has been a professional musician and performer for more than 15 years. He has performed in a large variety of contexts, from solo, small group, and big band/orchestral to studio and theater productions. He is well-versed in a variety of styles including funk, jazz, rock, metal, blues, folk, and latin music. He has performed with some of Chicago's finest musicians, both as a leader and sideman, and has also shared the stage with Dennis Tufano (The Buckinghams) and Will Kennedy (The Yellowjackets). In 2008, the Eric Klotz Trio was one of 5 bands in 3 states selected as a finalist to perform for a spot at Minnesota's 10,000 Lakes Festival.
Currently, Eric can be found performing regularly in the Chicago area with Reely Dan (Steely Dan Tribute), Don't Speak (No Doubt Tribute), and as a sideman at venues such as the House of Blues, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Eric holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Jazz Performance and his mentors are graduates of Berklee College of Music and North Texas State University. He is the recipient of the prestegious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and was performing professionally with and as a sub for his professors throughout his schooling.
His teaching experience includes 5 years as adjunct professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead, 8 years as the guitar instructor at The International Music Camp, 3 years at Glenbrook South High School (the National Grammy School of 2008), and 8 years in various music stores. In 2007 he founded Klotz Guitar Studio, where he currently works full-time to help musicians of all levels explore the music that interests them.
