Erik Alvar, 22, is a senior at Florida State University graduating this May with a degree in commercial music. During his time there Erik has studied with jazz bass professor, Rodney Jordan, and classical bassist, Melanie Punter. He has performed in many of the school’s ensembles including jazz combos, big band, the University Philharmonia Orchestra, Latin American ensemble, the multicultural improvisation ensemble, and old time ensemble.
Erik, originally from Melbourne Beach, FL, began playing music in fifth grade. He picked up bass to play in the orchestra and mandolin to perform locally and at festivals around the state. In his studies Erik has attended Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp and two Mandolin Symposiums. Upon arriving in Tallahassee Erik quickly found a home in the city’s acoustic music community performing weekly with various bluegrass and folk groups. Starting sophomore year, he could be playing as far away as Miami and Nashville on weekends. Erik performs regularly with the Aaron O’Rourke Trio, Americana artist Grant Peeples, and many other acoustic groups and singer-songwriters.