Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric St. Godard has established himself as a bandleader and an active member of the Manitoba music scene.
Eric began taking piano lessons at the age of five, and later received his Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 8 Certificate. However his interest in jazz music grew exponentially during his time in high school. Eric graduated from the Brandon University School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of pianists Michael Cain and Jeff Presslaff. Eric is currently a graduate student at the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba, where he is studying with JUNO award winning pianist Will Bonness.
Eric’s musical influences are quite diverse, but can mostly be credited to the blues/ post-bop language and virtuosity of Oscar Peterson, the harmonic textures of Bill Evans, as well as the exploratory natures of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, just to name a few. Eric has also been influenced by genres outside of the jazz realm — from The Meters, Billy Joel, and The Beatles. Ultimately, Eric strives total risks and use elements from his influences to tell a story through his compositions and improvisations. He also aims to bring an invigorating, thought- provoking, and individual sound to the Canadian music scene.
Eric has also been able to work with some of Manitoba’s finest jazz musicians for numerous live events in Manitoba and for his recording projects. He has taken his newly founded group -- The E4 -- on tour to Western Canada, most notably playing at the Yardbird Suite in Edmonton, Alberta.
In addition to performing, Eric has a growing private studio of students, ranging from 4 years old to adults. He also is an instructor at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts in Winnipeg, Manitoba as a part-time Jazz, Classical and General piano instructor.
His EPs -- Perspectives, Look Here, and two solo piano pieces, are available on all streaming platforms. The E4 is in the works of producing a full-length studio album to be released in late 2024.