Donald Erb

Donald Erb is an American composer known for his large orchestral works. 

The Cleveland School of the Arts regrettably informed me that the school did not offer music composition as a major. However, the school did quickly recognized that action, on their part, was necessary to assist my blossoming passion for music composition. 

My theory instructor was happy to inform me that the school had made arrangements for me to receive private lesson from Donald Erb. I was not familiar with him as a composer and had not heard any of his works. However I was excited just the same to be receiving complimentary composition lessons from such an established musician.

My first lesson was in the back room of the auditorium where I had my initial audition. Donald was an older man with silver hair who seemed to tower over me. He was a pleasant man and smiled often. He told me that it was important that I carry with me, at all times, a notebook of staff paper as you never know when you may need it. I can say that such a statement was correct, though I have learned to adapt by writing random musical notes on the closest thing to a piece a paper in any given vicinity. Donald was also the man the told me that my compositional style would evolve and that I cannot expect to have a grasp of it at such a young age. 

Lessons with Donald were temporary as his health was slowly beginning to decline. I  must say that I am honored and grateful to have been privileged enough to study with such composer and will utilize all wisdom he provided me throughout my musical career.