Erik Elmgren believes that the role of artists in our society is to stand in the gaps of cultural, social, and ideological differences and create musical experiences that reaffirm our connection to our shared humanity. As a saxophonist, educator, and thinker, Erik seeks to create artistic spaces grounded in belonging, trust, and imagination.

Erik’s research and writing at the intersection of community arts practice and higher education is an ongoing and deep exploration into the role of community connection in training the musicians of the future. His work touches on elements of social work, nonprofit organization, teaching artistry, and music education to cultivate a holistic artistic practice that prepares musicians to become engaged citizens and transformative advocates for equity, inclusion, and healing within their communities.

Erik currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Community Engagement and Teaching Artistry at the New England Conservatory of Music. In this role, he helps oversee the school’s flagship Community Performances and Partnerships Program which works with conservatory students and community partners to create impactful programming throughout Boston. He is also deeply involved in community arts initiatives across the country, most notably serving as a frequent consultant for the work of Street Symphony in Los Angeles.

As alto saxophonist with the award-winning Fuego Quartet, Erik has performed on chamber music series and conferences around the world including the 2018 World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia and the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series at the Chicago Cultural Center.  Fuego has won top prizes at numerous international chamber music competitions, including the Gold Medal at the 44th Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, 1st Prize at the 8th Plowman Chamber Music Competition, and 2nd Prize at the 2017 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition. Their debut album, entitled Migration, featuring the music of David Maslanka, William Albright, and Clay Mettens, was released in 2019 under the PARMA Recordings label.

Erik is also an accomplished soloist and has received prizes in the MTNA National Young Artist Competition and the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition. He has also appeared as a concerto soloist with the Hodgson Wind Ensemble at the University of Georgia and the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra. He is also active in the saxophone community and regularly performs at national and regional conferences held by the North American Saxophone Alliance.

Erik holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Saxophone Performance as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Georgia, where he served as the teaching assistant for the saxophone studio. He also holds performance degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Illinois. His primary teachers are Connie Frigo, Chien-Kwan Lin, and Debra Richtmeyer.