Eric Smrcka is an Erie County native and performs regularly as a piano soloist and accompanist. He attended Seneca High School where he was inspired by his friend and mentor Robert Reid. Eric studied music at the Pennsylvania State University School of Music where he was the principal accompanist for the Men's Glee Club and the Concert Choir. His keyboard teachers have included Steven Smith, Marylene Dosse, June Miller and Max Pfaff. While at Penn State, he studied conducting with Dr. O. Richard Bundy and Maestro Pu-Qi Jiang, studied choral methods with Dr. Anthony Leach, and played trombone in the Symphonic and Concert Bands.
In addition to his responsibilities at EP, Eric maintains an active studio of private piano students. He is also the Music Coordinator and Arranger for the Seneca High School Marching Band, serves as a staff accompanist for the Department of Music at Edinboro State University, conducts the Corry Summer Band, and has conducted numerous shows and revues for the Corry Community Theatre.
Before coming to the Playhouse, Eric served as Director of Music at Saint Boniface School, Erie; and before returning to the Erie area, he was Director of Bands at Shamokin Area Jr./Sr. High School in Coal Township, Pennsylvania.