305: Eric Steffens on Vienna, studying abroad, and life in a German orchestra

I have had a great time following along with Eric Steffens and his remarkable career over the years.

Starting off at Eastman studying with James VandeMark and then heading to Vienna to work with Alois Posch in Vienna, Eric won a position in 2012 as principal bass of the Philharmonie Südwestfalen.

What's extra-cool to me is that Eric was my very first serious bass student.  We worked together in the early 2000s, and it has been so cool seeing where life has taken him.

We cover all sorts of topics:

• working with Jeff Campell at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in the summer and how it led Eric to Eastman
• heading overseas and studying with Alois Posch
• how much orchestral stylistic traditions vary throughout Europe
• Vienna and how specific the traditions are in this city
• the journey from student to professional in Europe
• audition procedures in Germany and Austria
• what life in his orchestra is like

Eric's a great guy and is doing great things in the bass world!

Links to check out:

• Eric's website
• Eric's upcoming performance of the Nino Rota Concerto
• how German auditions work (article from Rob Knopper)

 

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