Biography

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     Dr. Eric Tran, concert pianist, composer, and artist--teacher, is known for illuminating music in a way that connects with audiences. He holds degrees from Stanford University, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Mead Witter School of Music, winning the concerto competitions at all three institutions along with top prizes in ten international and national competitions.

 

     Tran has performed across Europe, Asia, and over twenty US states, with notable appearances at Carnegie Hall, Bing Concert Hall, and the Chautauqua Institution. He was named a Gilmore Keyboard Festival Fellow and performed alongside Maria João Pires in her first US Partitura Project. He concertizes regularly with Nathan Cheung as the award-winning Happy Dog Duo, with the mission of bringing humor and joy to the classical music world.

 

     Tran's original compositions have been performed by ensembles across the US, including the St. Lawrence String Quartet, the Friction Quartet, and the Avita Duo. His String Quartet won the Pacific Musical Society Competition, and the SF Examiner reviewed it as having "a tendency to thwart the usual expectations...fascinating." It can be heard on his album Water along with other original solo and chamber music. Tran's scholarly edition of Chopin’s Barcarolle has been used by pianists worldwide and downloaded more than 5,000 times. He has also written numerous pedagogical works for developing pianists.

 

     As an artist--teacher, Tran carries forward a philosophy of curiosity and care, encouraging students to develop both imagination and discipline. He has given classes, workshops, and performances at institutions including Juilliard, Stanford, Indiana University, and the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover. His students have received top honors in competitions such as MTNA, Schubert Club, USOMC, and competitions in Asia.

 

     He lives with his wife Emily and their dog Alvin in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to music, he plays chess, volunteers in public schools, and purchases too many books.