Erik Fauss - Violinist/Violist

Erik Fauss is a freelance violist currently finishing his Masters at the Royal Academy of Music with Juan-Miguel Hernandez and Helene Clement. Before moving to London, Fauss completed his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. At age 12 he created a duet entertainment business with his cellist brother, and since then has had many gigs that sharpened his versatility: weddings, parties, ceremonies, folk bands, mariachi bands, jazz bands, etc. What makes Erik a standout player is his ability to adapt quickly to environments and give tasteful performances. Fauss has won numerous competitions and prizes, including 1st prize in the Santa Barbara Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (2017), Westmont College Concerto Competition (2017 and 2018), North London Festival Viola Competition and D’Addario Strings Prize (2019), the Wolfe Wolfinsohn String Quartet Prize (2019), and the Theodore Holland Viola Prize (2020). Fauss is also a Drake Calleja Trust Scholar (2019). His involvement with educational programs instigated a mentorship with the Incredible Children’s Arts Network, where he taught music to underprivileged elementary school students. Since moving to London, Fauss has engaged actively with various communities and ensembles. He has performed and recorded solos with the Royal Academy Symphony Orchestra and Academy Soloists Ensemble. Erik also founded the Bell Quartet, which was accepted into the Frost Quartet Fellowship Scheme, and continues to give concerts, participate in festivals, and collaborate with other artists. They have a residency at Eton College as well. Currently he is doing research on audience - performer dynamics, and as part of this he produces his own mini workshops called “Feedback with Fauss” that involve food, discussion, and surveys. Limited audience sizes ensure social distancing and intimate dialogue amongst each other. In addition to developing this further, Fauss intends to pursue teaching, recording, and more performance in collaboration with classical, folk, and jazz freelancers. Erik credits his gifts and inspiration to God, his grandmother, and significant teachers throughout his life.