Johan Eriksson is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at the University of Montana. Yamaha saxophones allows him to easily switch between jazz, classical, and commercial styles. His genre-bending ability is showcased on his latest albums Emulation (saxophone and electronica), Montana Sounds (jazz quintet), and Debut (modern classical).
Johan values staying current in music and society to best serve his students and has studied the capabilities of AI in music. He founded the Commercial Music Ensemble at UM.
He has performed professionally with Lee Konitz, Donny McCaslin, Matt Wilson, Ron Miles, “Blue” Lou Marini, Grace Kelly, Azar Lawrence, Loren Stillman, Greg Gisberg, Johnathan Blake, Boris Kozlov, Steve Kovalcheck, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Chamber Singers, John Corigliano, Duo Nyans, and many others. He has performed in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Johan’s mentors include Magnus Nilsson, Tommy Wiklund, Craig Whitaker, Steven Stusek, Steve Duke, Andrew Dahlke, Dana Landry, Jim White, Erik Applegate, Steve Haines, and Ron Carter. Dedicated to music education, he has taught general music grades K-5 and band grades 6-12.
Johan holds degrees from Northern Colorado University (DMA), Northern Illinois University (MM), University of North Carolina-Greensboro (BM).