Erica von Kleist

Director of Education and Performance
Erica Von Kleist

Multi-instrumentalist and educator Erica von Kleist has led many lives as a musician and producer, leading the charge as woodwind specialist, educator, and entrepreneur. After receiving the first jazz bachelor’s degree in the history of the Juilliard School, Erica went on to tour and record with Sean Jones, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, spend time on Broadway in the pits of The Addams Family, Chorusline and Gypsy, and recorded on five Grammy-Nominated albums. As a bandleader Erica has released five records, most recently “Sax & Taps” with DeWitt Fleming Jr, live at Dizzy’s Club.

In 2012 Erica relocated from NYC to the big sky state of Montana where she started several business initiatives, and published a jazz theory curriculum for beginning improvisers.  In addition to being a force in the jazz performance and education world, Erica has also penned a musical comedy show, a staged musical and in 2021 co-released the musical film “Your Musical Is Cancelled. The Musical!”

Now back in NYC, Erica is supporting her current projects, as well as working as Director of Education and Performance at Jazz House Kids. To learn more, visit ericavonkleist.com