Erik was born in Nigeria while his parents were teaching overseas.  He spent his childhood in California, then Ontario, then moved to Kenya to finish highschool. During this period guitar was always a part of his life, though teachers were sometimes hard to find. He studied classical guitar at Eli Kassner's academy in Toronto and played second trumpet in the Nairobi symphony orchestra.  In university Erik played in a number of rock bands.  Now after years of letting his music go, he has returned to his passion.