Erik Stenswold is an accomplished musician, conductor, and educator, with a deep commitment to choral music and arts education. As a sought after conductor and clinician, he has worked with choirs and orchestras across the United States and Europe.
Stenswold performs extensively as a professional singer; he first appeared as a soloist at Carnegie Hall in 2017, and continues to perform with notable ensembles like Choral Chameleon and The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia; and has appeared with The New York Philharmonic and The Philadelphia Orchestra. As a composer, Stenswold has had works performed by Scape Trio, as well as high schools, collages, and churches across the country.
With a decade of classroom teaching experience, Stenswold has dedicated himself to revitalizing and strengthening choral programs through student centered teaching practices. His leadership has fostered sustained growth, artistic excellence, and lasting success in the programs he has served.
Stenswold remains active as a performer and serves as Director of Education for Choral Chameleon in New York City and Artistic Director of Rittenhouse Sound in Philadelphia.
Educational Philosophy
I believe that all people are deserving of an educational environment where they can learn and grow mentally, emotionally, and socially with their peers.
It is my unique privilege as the choir director to be able to offer an environment based wholly in community,
and it is through community that I believe all might reach their full potential.
The choir is nothing without the people that comprise it, and each person is created beautifully and unique.
All students' educational experiences should be tailored to meet them where they are.
As we explore and make music, students will have the opportunity to learn the way they learn best.
All people of all backgrounds, experience levels, genders, orientations, uniqueness, and authenticities are welcome without question or judgment.
I believe that music is for everyone and that music should be made in a space free for expression.
In my classroom, or rehearsal space, we better ourselves through our mistakes, but we also discover passion and expression.
In this environment we are free to explore emotion and empathy through music making and community building with their peers.
In this way we pursue Unity through community, Love through friendship, and Truth through the pursuit of passion.
“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.”
-Ludwig van Beethoven