Dr. Erika Izaguirre is the assistant professor of trumpet at Concordia College where she has established twice weekly group warm-up sessions, directs the Trumpet Ensemble, conducts Jazz Ensemble 2, teaches the trumpet portion of Brass Methods, and teaches introductory music courses. Prior to her appointment, Erika was an active freelancer and educator in New England, primarily forming the minds of young brass musicians from underrepresented communities through her work in the Intensive Community Program in collaboration with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as performing in local chamber groups, orchestras, and music theaters.
As an international soloist, Erika maintains an active schedule and has commissioned and premiered works in Minnesota, New York, and abroad by composers Dr. Daniel F. Breedon, John Wallace, Sean William Calhoun, and Jorge Bennett. She has also performed at the Fringe Festival and has recorded for the Blue on Blue Recording Studio and for Blue Lake Public Radio. Additionally, Dr. Izaguirre has soloed with Greece Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, and Symphoria.
Erika earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Eastman School of Music. Her primary teachers have included James Thompson, Wiff Rudd, Ray Sasaki, Boyde Hood, and Tom Stevens.
Currently, Erika is focused on helping young musicians from underrepresented communities by elevating their voices and helping them obtain the resources (education, equipment, and mentorship) they need in hopes of seeing more black, indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and female-identifying brass players in the professional world in the near future. In her spare time, she enjoys a good book, outdoor adventures, and experimenting with Mexican recipes.