Education
Eric Paździora earned a Bachelor of Music in Sacred Music Composition from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, followed by a Master of Music in Composition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He went on to complete a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition at the University of Maryland, College Park. He also participated in the European-American Music Alliance Summer Composition Program in Paris in 2013, studying with students of Nadia Boulanger.
As a Performer and Composer
Eric has an active and diverse performance career as a pianist, organist, and multi-instrumentalist. He currently serves as pianist and organist at Epworth United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and has performed as a national tour accompanist with the Moody Bible Institute Women’s Concert Choir. In addition to his work as a performer, he is a recording artist and multi-instrumentalist with the Chicago-based group Thornfield, and has worked as a music producer with Urban Ministries, Inc. in Calumet City, Illinois.
Eric’s compositions examine the balance between ancient traditions and contemporary concerns. His D.M.A. dissertation, a one-act Scots-language chamber opera entitled House of Winter, tells the story of a woman’s struggle with dementia. The choral cycle Canticles for the Holy Innocents, composed in memory of child abuse victim Lydia Schatz, was premiered by Chorosynthesis Singers for their concert series and album Empowering Silenced Voices.
As a Teacher
Eric is an experienced educator who has taught piano, early childhood music, and music theory in a variety of settings. He currently teaches piano and preschool music with Music for Life Kids and serves as a piano and early childhood music teacher at the International School of Music in Potomac, Maryland. His previous roles include graduate assistantships at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he taught music theory and composition. He has also worked as a teaching artist with Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland, and served as Associate Director of Music at The Freedom Center for the Creative Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina.
At Levine
Eric joined Levine’s faculty in 2025 and began teaching First Music, Music Theory, and Composition. He believes Levine is an excellent school with a wide offering of classes and opportunities for all ages!
Teaching Philosophy
Eric has taught students at all levels from infancy to university. His composition students have completed original projects including concert performances, full-length albums, and theatrical productions. His exciting teaching style combines classical technique with creativity and improvisation, helping students understand how music works and what makes it fun and meaningful for everyone.
More About Eric
Eric has two cats whose favorite hobby is walking across the computer while he is trying to compose! Learn more about Eric on his website.