Multi-instrumentalist and educator Erica von Kleist has led many lives as a musician and producer, leading the charge as woodwind specialist, educator, and entrepreneur. After receiving the first jazz bachelor’s degree in the history of the Juilliard School, Erica went on to tour and record with Sean Jones, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, spent time on Broadway in the pits of The Addams Family, Chorusline and Gypsy, and recorded on five Grammy-Nominated albums. As a bandleader Erica has released five records, most recently “Sax & Taps” with DeWitt Fleming Jr, live at Dizzy’s Club. As an educator, Erica has been a guest artist at institutions including the Juilliard School, UNC Greensboro, Purdue University, and a mentor for Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz program and Jazz at Lincoln Center. In 2019 she published “A Cool Approach to Jazz Theory ”, a workbook curriculum for beginning improvisers.

In addition to being involved in jazz performance and education, Erica also produces and performs a one-woman musical comedy show. An EP of the show is set to be released in fall 2024, with several singles already available on streaming. In 2020 Erica teamed up with several writers from Whitefish, MT to co-write and release “Your Musical is Cancelled. The Musical!”, a feature-length online movie musical featuring an all-star cast and orchestra. The film went on to win accolades at film festivals, both domestic and international. Erica contributed music, lyrics and orchestrations to the project.

Most recently Erica has teamed up with Carnegie Hall on several symphonic jazz arrangements for their “Link Up” program, which premiered in spring 2024. And she is currently on faculty at the Manhattan School of Music where she teaches music business and entrepreneurship to undergraduate students. In summer 2024 she will be releasing a web series about the music industry, aimed at helping working musicians understand the different facets of having a career in the arts. For more information visit ericavonkleist.com