OHIO High School Horn Day

Visiting Artist

Eric C. Davis

Grammy nominated performer and sought after educator, Eric C. Davis’s career has been defined by his versatility, virtuosity, and what the New York Times referred to as his ability to play with “admirable poetry.” Currently a faculty member at Hofstra University, his career has taken him around the globe, performing and working with some of the finest musicians in the world. 

Best known as a French Hornist, Eric’s international performance career includes Principal Horn of the Philharmonic Orchestra in Queretaro, Mexico, and La Kamerata Chamber Orchestra in Athens, Greece. He has also performed with The American Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s among several others. Mr. Davis, currently, is a member of the Borealis Woodwind Quintet, the Harlem Chamber Players and is a member of the Funny Girl Orchestra on Broadway. 

Outside of his prolific orchestral career, Eric has made numerous appearances on stage and screen, including performances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Good Morning America. On Broadway, Mr. Davis has performed on productions of Frozen, and Les Misérables. Other notable shows include Elton John’s Aida, and The Lion King. 

His dedication to his craft has made him one of New York’s most in demand horn players, as he has been asked to work with David Byrne, The Roots, Sharon Jones, Matt Simons, Jon Batiste, Johnny Mathis, Indina Menzel and many more. He is a two-time Grammy Award nominee, once for the full-length album, The Art of Arrangement, by Doug Beavers, and once for the 2012 Broadway cast recording of The Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”. 

Eric is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music in French Horn at Hofstra University where he teaches Private Lessons, Music History, and coaches Chamber Music. Since earning his Doctorate of Musical Arts from Rutgers University, he has been working with students of all levels, teaching brass ensembles, private lessons, masterclasses, and clinics to elementary school and college students alike. As a member of the Harlem Chamber Players and Borealis Woodwind Quintet, he is proud to be able to help provide so many educational opportunities in his community. 

Whatever musical venture Eric is undertaking, he approaches it with an unmatched enthusiasm as his commitment to constantly learning and improving continues to keep him motivated. He is a unique talent with a gift for collaboration, and is looking forward to whatever musical opportunities the future may hold.