Erik Fauss - Violinist/Violist

Erik Fauss is a freelance violist with a Masters in Music from the Royal Academy of Music. 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). 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, Academy Soloists Ensemble, Kings Chamber Orchestra, and other ensembles. Erik also founded the Bell Quartet, which gave concerts, participated in festivals, and collaborated with other artists. Branching out to other genres, he now writes songs with his wife in their own indi/folk band called The Salts. As part of his Masters thesis project in 2019, he investigated audience - performer dynamics, producing mini workshops called “Feedback with Fauss” that involved food, discussion, and surveys. Limited audience sizes during lockdown ensured social distancing and intimate dialogue amongst each other. This led to the creation of Hygge Sessions, a chamber concert series that sought to make classical music performances more informal and accessible. He still programs these specially curated recitals in private homes. In addition to performing, Fauss teaches an active studio of violin, viola, and beginning piano students, blending a classical technique with improvisation and personal expression. He has recorded for many songwriters and independent artists, and released his own E.P of improvised reflections on Spotify called Sanctuary Strings. Erik credits his gifts and inspiration to God, his grandmother, and significant teachers throughout his life. He plays in the hospital each week and believes in the healing power of music for the body, mind, and heart.