June Teacher Spotlight: Eric Marta
Our featured teacher this month, Eric Marta, teaches 6th-12th grade orchestra in the Marquette Area Public Schools in the upper peninsula of Michigan. He graduated in 2012 from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Before teaching at Marquette Area Public Schools, Mr. Marta served as a K-12 general music teacher at North Star Academy where he started after school music programs including strings, ukulele, percussion, garage band, and guitar. Mr. Marta currently serves on the Superior String Alliance Board of Directors and is also the Michigan String Teacher Association's Northern Initiatives representative. Mr. Marta also oversees the UP Chamber Music Festival with the help of Baroque Violin Shop as a vendor.
Can you tell us about your school’s orchestra program?
I love the string community in Marquette. Marquette Area Public Schools Orchestra program includes over 150 students from 6th - 12th grade. Students have the option of starting their orchestra career in the 5th grade after-school strings club. The high school program is split into a full symphony orchestra and concert orchestra. The students in Marquette have the opportunity to perform with a wide variety of artists. This past year the students performed with Mark Wood and the Symphony Orchestra performed a side by side concert with the Marquette Senior High School Students. Students from Marquette are consistently represented in both the All-State Orchestras in Grand Rapids and the MYAF Orchestra at Western Michigan University. This is thanks to the many outstanding private string studios available in Marquette. I am extremely lucky to work with so many dedicated string educators.
What instruments do you play/teach?
I am primarily a violist and perform in the Marquette Symphony but teach all stringed instruments.
How did your career in music get started?
My music career started much later than most. I started a year late in 6th grade and took lessons to get caught up. I took a year off to study athletic training my first year in college but missed music too much, so I returned to Northern Michigan to study music where I never looked back.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
It's difficult to choose but I can narrow it down to two. I was very lucky to have an outstanding senior class a few years ago and we performed Danzon No. 2. This past year we performed Bernstein's Candide Overture. Those are my two favorite pieces to conduct.
What are some of your other hobbies?
Anything that gets me outside. I love to hike, mountain bike, trail run, camp, and explore new places. I would love to be able to visit every one of our National Parks one day.
What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?
Too many to choose. I'm fortunate enough to have the students from 6th grade to 12th grade. I have not been around long enough yet to see the full transition. But my favorite moments are certainly seeing my students grow into wonderful young adults and musicians.
What do you find to be the best motivator for students?
For me, I like focusing on creating those "favorite" moments. Once you have one outstanding or great performance it can get kind of addicting. I love seeing my students smile right after when they know all their hard work in preparing a piece finally has paid off.
What are your future goals as a musician and teacher?
I want to bring my students new and exciting opportunities to work with wonderful musicians. I really enjoy inviting other music educators and performers to come in and teach them what they know. I learn a lot from watching my students learn from them.
How are you managing the challenges dealt to your school and orchestra related to COVID-19? What opportunities do you see?
This has been a difficult time for everyone. I have been focused on my student's overall well-being. Music keeps you safe has always been the motto here in Marquette and I have encouraged my students to stay busy and play to find some calm. We have done virtual recitals, yoga/masterclasses, children's stories, and some fun movie music workshops. It's a great opportunity to be creative!