Eric St. Godard began taking piano lessons at the age of five, and since then music was and has been the rock that kept him passionate, motivated and striving to push his limits in both the music and non-music worlds.

Although Eric has a Grade 8 Certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music, his interest in jazz music grew exponentially during his time in high school. Eric graduated from the School of Music at Brandon University in 2020, where he studied under the tutelage of the widely-acclaimed pianist, Michael Cain. In addition, he also studied and continues to study under the intelligent and well-known Winnipeg musician and composer, Jeff Presslaff.

Eric has come to love and appreciate music to great extents, and therefore aims to reach his audience on a deeper level. When sitting at the piano, St. Godard always tries to tell a story; one where the listener can get a sense of the character and the player without knowing who they really are. He believes that music has a place in every life, every mind, and every soul, and therefore music should reach people in such ways that sometimes can and cannot be explained through just words.

In addition to performing, Eric has a growing private studio of students, ranging from ages 4-12 along with adult students at all skill levels.

For the upcoming 2021-22 year, Eric St. Godard plans on producing and releasing an album comprised of original material, and to enter into the lively Winnipeg music scene.

What is your education and experience?

B.Mus. Jazz Performance (Brandon University)

Tell us one of your fondest musical memories

In spring of 2019, I was a part of the Brandon University Big Band. That year we were performing sets with Canadian bassist Rich Brown for the Brandon Jazz Festival. The way Rich Brown played his instrument, how the band played the set, and the atmosphere in the hall was pure euphoria. Surely a memorable experience.

What made you decide to study music?

Music was something that had always come naturally, and it was something that I was passionate about since I started. I always loved to perform for other people because it brought me pure joy knowing that I may have made someone a little happier. Later on when I went to university, I had realized that playing the piano was a way for me to share my passion and love for music with others, and it has been a truly enriching and joyful experience thus far.

How are your lessons unique?

I always attempt to be as adaptable as possible with each student, because every student has their own way of learning, and their own unique path and pace to achieving their goals. Although having fundamentals are crucial to building the foundation for their path (i.e. technique, theory), I always strive for the student to have positive, organic experiences so they can truly enjoy their musical journey.

What’s your favourite part about teaching?

I would have to say that the most rewarding part about teaching is seeing a student’s hard work and dedication come to fruition. It could be as difficult as preparing a Royal Conservatory exam piece, or it could be as simple as learning a one-octave scale, or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Either way, the joy, excitement, and inspiration that comes from the student afterward inspires me to help them be a part of that journey and to help them reach beyond their abilities.

What would you say to someone who is interested in studying music?

Be patient, and trust the process. I remember when I first started out, there was one time where I really wanted to quit piano lessons because I began to have a difficult time with some of the material. My mother had told me to keep trying and persevere through the tough spots, and if I did not enjoy playing piano by the end of the year, I could stop taking lessons. Fast forward to now, piano has become a huge part of my life. Music teaches us so many valuable life lessons that sometimes help form who we are as people later on in life, so if you are patient and trust your journey, the rewards are boundless.