Erica Joy Burton,
viola
As a solo violist and founding member of the Laurels String Quartet, Erica Joy Burton has become a multi-genre player living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Erica has worked as a recording and performing artist for such reputable artists as Nico Muhly, Valgeir Sigurðsson, Belle and Sebastian, Dan Wilson and Semisonic, Lizzo, Macklemore, Atmosphere, Ondara, Nadia Sirota, Sam Amidon, Rob Moose, Tom Hagerman, DeVotchKa, Motion City Soundtrack, Doomtree, Heiruspecs, P.O.S., Rogue Valley, Astronautalis, Jeremy Messersmith, Dessa, and more. She has also performed at many venues, including the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York for the Late Show with David Letterman, First Avenue, Orchestra Hall, The Walker, The Music Room at SPCO Center for the Liquid Music Series, The State Fair's Grandstand, The State Theater, The Fitzgerald, and The Cedar, as well as many arenas across North America.
While at Northwestern University in Illinois, Erica studied under the tutelage of the esteemed professor Roland Vamos. During her time as an undergraduate, she spent her summers at such renowned music festivals as Music Academy of the West, where she studied with Donald McInnes, and Ravinia's Steans Institute, working closely with vocalists in the unique vocal chamber music program. Upon graduation, she studied with the distinguished professor of viola performance at the University of Minnesota, Korey Konkol, where she received a masters degree and a doctorate of musical arts in viola performance.
Erica has had the honor to perform in master classes for William Preucil; Robert Mann; Cavani String Quartet; Donald McInnes; Helen Callus; Atar Arad; Patricia McCarty; Thomas Riebl; Roberto Diaz; Cynthia Phelps; and Nobuko Imai.