Erin Keeton-Howard (she/her)

ekhmusic.com

Erin Keeton-Howard is a Seattle-based educator, conductor, and composer. Community music, and the formation of community through making music, is at the heart of her research interests, educational philosophy, and personal passion. Erin is delighted to engage in this adventure through her work as a guest conductor/composer/clinician in the Seattle area and beyond.

Currently Erin serves as the Director of Bands at The Northwest School, Director of the North Seattle Symphonic Band at North Seattle College, and Co-Founder/ Director of Formation Wind Band (Seattle's all-women wind band). She began her teaching career in North County St. Louis teaching middle school band at St. Angela Merici School. Since then, Erin has taught middle, high school, collegiate, and adult wind bands as well as music appreciation and music education courses. Erin is a multi-year nominee for Teacher of the Year and was awarded the Sigma Alpha Iota Leadership Award. In 2020 her wind ensemble at Inglewood Middle School was selected to perform at the National Association for Music Education Northwest Region conference.

Erin discovered composing during the pandemic. She enjoys writing music for all levels, but is particularly passionate about writing quality music for school-aged musicians to nurture developing skills and specific idiosyncrasies for each instrument. Erin is actively commissioned by groups at all levels and works with bands across the country through composer clinics. Her works include compositions for concert, jazz, pep, and brass bands as well as various chamber ensembles. Erin’s music is published with Murphy Music Press, Carl Fisher, and Randall Standridge Music Publications.

Erin graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education. She earned a Master of Arts degree in music education with emphasis in instrumental conducting from the University of Washington, studying conducting with Tim Salzman. Through symposia and masterclasses Erin has studied conducting with Mallory Thompson, Craig Kirchhoff, Chris Bianco, Tony Maiello, Emily Moss, Brad Snow, and Steven Davis.
 
In addition to her musical pursuits, Erin is passionate about travel, cooking, authentic conversation, and sudoku. Erin resides in Mountlake Terrace, WA with her wife Felicia and two lovable pups, Tucker and Edna Boone.