Working with Eric is a true joy. His heart, talent and dependability are second to none. Eric is truly one of my favorite musicians to work with in worship settings, recording sessions or just last minute gigs. He puts his heart and soul not only into his music but his faith as well. I am honored to know him not only as a fellow musician but a friend.
Shane Martin, Nashville session guitarist & worship leader
Eric's style and versatility make him one of my favorite musicians to work with. He possesses the subtlety to make ballads emotional and lilting, the energy to add just the right rhythm to the blues, and the touch to add his own interpretation to modern classics. Plus, he's always professional, polished, and has a constant smile on his face... and those things alone would make him a joy to work with, but the fact that he's a great musician is the icing on the cake.
Whitney Walters, vocalist, actor, Executive Director of International Center for The Upstate
When it comes to piano, Eric is the man. His presence of mind, musical knowledge, and technique are unparalleled. Throw in an outgoing personality, responsibility, a clear communication style and a healthy sense of humor, and you have Eric Barnhart. I would hire him for anything and trust that it will get done and will be done well.
Keith Groover, cellist, guitarist, composer
Eric Barnhart is a gifted musician with an unparalleled ear for the sounds of classic rock and Americana. I've worked with Eric on dozens of tracks over a period of fifteen years and I can wholeheartedly recommend his craftsmanship as a writer, arranger, and performer.
Jed Brewer, Director, Mission:USA Productions
What a pleasure it is to share music with Eric Barnhart, a talented pianist and musician! Added to his talents of technique, of writing, composing and performance is a soulful interpretation and presentation of music that is well beyond his years. Be it classical, Jazz, Pop - a true musical and creative soul shines through whatever music genre he performs. He is a master of his skills and mentor to other musicians both young and old. A listening audience can only gain pleasure from any music that he performs and shares with others. An evening with Eric at the keys is always a delight.
Scottie Hodge, trumpet and vocalist
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I always look forward to my trips to Greenville for the opportunity to hear Eric play at Brown St. His style is very creative and allows me to feel at home even though I live 2,500 miles away.
Ray S.
His shows are completely delightful. He is incredibly talented and knows how to play to his audience. Great fun when he takes requests! Don't miss it!
Nellie L.
Simply the best all-around piano player in the Upstate.
Lee L.
At every performance Eric has a way of subtly changing the atmosphere of the crowd into a lively and happy group.
Marie D.
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Eric has an outstanding ability to communicate, listen to and encourage a student to branch out, explore and achieve new levels of skill. These qualities along with his amazing knowledge of music and performance make him an exceptional teacher.
Cathie R., student
Eric is a blessing! Our son had been taking traditional piano for 5 years, but was losing interest. A friend recommended Eric who could teach the jazz and contemporary Christian music our son wanted to learn. When Eric moved to Greenville, we started the lessons online, which is great. I can still hear the lesson but do other things at home and save an hour drive-time. Our son has learned more music in the year and a half with Eric than in the previous five years. What's more, he enjoys the music. He's now the keyboardist in a band at church.
Marlys R., student's mom
He's amazing!! I've been playing piano with him for about a year and a half now and I have learned so much! It's a great opportunity and I don't just learn to play songs but he teaches me to play chords and how to write songs and other things nobody else will teach you! and he's really nice, too.
Sandra E., student
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For Eric Barnhart, the piano is more than an instrument – it's home. From the days he began playing by ear on his brother's toy xylophone up through today, no other place has been as inspiring, challenging, or comforting as when his fingers are on the keys. Wherever Eric has found himself over the years – the rolling fields of the rural Midwest, the clubs and beaches of Miami, the “New South” of Atlanta or his current home in Greenville, SC – the piano has been his way of embracing the local culture, absorbing it and making it his own. The crowds at his performances are never quite sure where their musical journey will carry them next: the sounds of sassy blues from a swanky jazz club; a driving tumbao for the salsa dance floor; a plaintive folk melody drifting off the mountain cabin back-porch, or a dozen other destinations. One thing, however, can be rest assured: it will be worth the trip.
Originally from small-town Iowa, Eric studied at the University of Miami and Florida International University, earning a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Piano. Eric later moved to Atlanta to serve in the music ministry of a local church. While there, Eric was actively involved in studio sessions as a recording artist, performer, engineer, and producer, working at notable local studios such as Glow In The Dark and Tree Sound as well as his own studio, Circusfrog. Eric had the privilege of performing with several theatrical runs at notable houses including Theatrical Outfit, Actor's Express, and Theatre in the Square. Eric additionally served as worship leader for numerous Christian conferences, events and services for organizations such as Mission To The World, Global Church Advancement, and Latin American Mission.
Eric recently relocated to Greenville, SC and began focusing on small ensemble shows in local and regional venues. He has performed well over 100 shows at arguably Greenville's premiere spot, The Brown Street Club. You can find him performing solo, with his trio, and with several of the Upstate's finest horn players and vocalists at the most prestigious clubs throughout the area. Wherever the road takes Eric next, with his piano along for the ride, home is right there with him.
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