Leda C.

I highly recommend Mr. Riggs’ online course! My daughter leveled up her baritone sax skills, cultivated a new love of jazz music, and learned musicianship, instrument care, and solo practice “hacks” to get the most out of her experience. At first, we were both a little unsure how a virtual class would work with music lessons but Mr. Riggs made it interesting and kept the right pace, as well as provided additional guidance on her other instrument (bass clarinet, on which she achieved first chair in the All State Honors Band). 

She was excited to attend every week and I could see/hear noticeable improvement. She also liked the opportunity to interact with a variety of professional musicians who participated as guest speakers on occasion. I really can’t recommend this class highly enough for young musicians looking to improve and enjoy their musical journey. 

Jackie S.

 Mr. Riggs’ online studio has been a game-changer for my son’s development as a musician over the past year.  Mr. Riggs has motivated him and helped him to develop an effective practice routine.  Under Mr. Riggs instruction, my son earned the eighth chair position in the NC State Honors band as a freshman.  The online studio is flexible, accessible and affordable.  With the online platform, my son has received top-notch instruction that he would otherwise not have access to.  We cannot overstate how much we recommend Mr. Riggs and his online studio!  

Lorry M. 

You may be lucky enough to have the best band teacher in the world at your school. Amazing! Now let’s break it down. In a 50 minute class period with 20 students in a class your band director will have just over 2 minutes a day per student. Your child will certainly improve, but slowly. As a middle school band director, Mr Riggs knows how to talk to your child. As a performing musician, Mr. Riggs knows what your student needs to learn to sound amazing. Two
of my kids have had lessons with Mr. Riggs for many years. Straight out of elementary school my kids went from hot cross buns, skipping 2 levels of band to the top band in their middle school their first year. What did they learn; tone, articulation, hot air, cold air, how not to hammer tongue. My clarinet child was with Mr. Riggs for three years succeeding from All County to All District to All State all three years. My saxophone child still takes lessons from Mr. Riggs. It has been 8 years including the Covid years and Mr. Riggs has imparted knowledge and interest every step of the way.

When my sax kid walks down the halls of his intimidatingly large high school he frequently hears whispers of “is that the cool jazz kid” and “there’s that kid that’s so crazy good at music”. Not only is this great to hear but it is affirmation from peers. You seldom hear about the crazy smart physics kid unfortunately. There is something magical about seeing your child up on stage performing. Parenting a kid in music means you know where your kid is and who your kid is with, usually other band kids. My kids have played in a National music competition. My sax kid
has played on stage with Branford Marsalis from the famous Marsalis music family. Both my kids have played on stage in New York in front of Winton Marsalis. These are experiences they will remember all their lives. All this started with and continues with lessons with Mr. Riggs.

My kids have garnered confidence and friend groups from their band experiences. There is nothing that can compare to a community of like minded peers, especially in the high school years. Lots of kids swim who will never be professional swimmers. Lots of kids play golf who will never be on tour. I have always thought that as a parent, I have to do what I can to give my children the best help and support I can give. Erik Riggs is, online or in person, the best you
can give your child in music.

Joanna R.

Focused evaluation, encouragement and growth.  These are Mr. Erik’s top three pillars for nurturing and supporting the growth of a well-rounded and successful band student.  

We have worked with Mr. Erik for many years both in person and virtually.  The continuum of lessons, combined with our child’s hard work and practice, has been such that our child has successfully earned all-district band positions with each audition.  The virtual learning environment has proved effective, with every note and its timing being carefully evaluated, leading to ongoing progression and symphonic growth. 

Mr. Erik is also in tune with my child’s emotional well-being and development within the scope of band, consistently providing constructive encouragement for progress.