College:  Eric Sylvester graduated Cum Laude in 1978 from McNeese State University with a B.A. in Music Theory.  He then completed the one-year degree program in 1981 at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California, studying with Howard Roberts, Don Mock, Les Wise, Joe Diorio, Robben Ford, and Ron Eschete, among others.

 

He has worked as a professional musician from 1968 to the present, performing at concerts, festivals, nightclubs, dances and parties, and on recordings as producer, engineer, arranger, composer, and studio musician.  He appeared numerous times in college with the MSU Jazz band, and has performed with the Lake Charles, Rapides and Beaumont Symphony Orchestras, including a production of “Oklahoma”, the Summer Pops Concert series, and a concert featuring jazz pianist Dave Brubeck. His bands have opened for Bob Seger, ZZ Top, Delbert McClinton, and the Association, and have backed Percy Sledge, Miss Molly, and Roscoe Chenier.  He is currently recording and performing with the band  "Josie and the Mudkats".

 

Eric has taught privately since 1974 and is currently teaching full time at McNeese as an instructor with the title “Musician in Residence” after having taught 20 years as a Visiting Lecturer.  Courses include beginning and intermediate rhythm, lead, and classical guitar, guitar ensemble, and applied music.  He also teaches 25-30 students a week in his private studio.  At least five former students are currently teaching guitar for a living after having earned music degrees form McNeese State University.  He co-founded and served as director of the St. Louis Catholic High Show Choir for three years.

 

In the field of recording, Eric performed on the soundtrack and platinum soundtrack album for the motion picture “Rocky IV”.  He owns and operates a 24 track digital recording studio and has produced recordings by numerous local artists in various genres including blues, jazz, rock, pop, gospel, country, and cajun. He has had original songs recorded by other artists, including Roscoe Chenier, The Dowers Brothers, and Josephine and the Blues Thang, and has written, produced, and performed on jingles for Rikenjak’s Brewpub.

 

Eric served on the formative committee for the Bayou Blues and Zydeco Festival until the discontinuation of the event.  He also performed at the festival several times with Josephine and the Blues Thang, Roscoe Chenier, and Miss Molly.

 

Biography ::

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Eric is a Registered Riff Master Pro Affiliate

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“This semester I see 60 students a week in class and private lessons.  I now use RiffMaster Pro in almost every lesson I teach.  I also use it daily for my own  practicing, whether I’m learning a new piece, polishing one that I already know,  or transcribing  some music for myself or my students.  Considering the functions it provides, its ease of use and low cost, RiffMaster Pro has become for me an indispensible tool for continued success in my profession.  Highly recommended to players and students at any level.”

-Eric Sylvester