Described as “one of the finest pianists of his generation…a consummate musician” by Fanfare, Clipper Erickson has dedicated much of his long career to bringing new works to life as an enthusiastic musical explorer. Erickson made his debut at age 19 in Los Angeles as soloist with the Young Musicians Foundation Orchestra, followed by studies at The Juilliard School, Yale University, and Indiana University. While at Indiana, Clipper trained with the great British pianist John Ogdon, whose dedication to the performance of new music and lesser-known works of the past inspired Clipper to follow in his footsteps.
Erickson has won top prizes at international competitions such as the Busoni and William Kapell, and performs as soloist with orchestras throughout the US, as well as recitalist in venues including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Carnegie Hall, and Symphony Space in New York.
In 2015, he released My Cup Runneth Over – the Complete Piano Works of R. Nathaniel Dett, a great African-descent composer. Gramophone UK honored the album as a critic’s choice and best album of the year, writing: “this historically and musically important release not only fills a crucial catalogue gap but sets reference standards. No serious aficionado of the history of American piano music can afford to miss it.” Critics worldwide similarly hailed the album and it continues to be featured on radio worldwide and streamed extensively. His other albums have featured many premieres, as well as great masterpieces of the past.
As a teacher, Clipper is dedicated to nurturing the love and understanding of music in master classes and private lessons. He is very happy to join the faculty of the Piano Inspires Music Center.