Eric Bradler
Lecturer
TRVH 426 | 303.871.6977

E-Mail

Biography

Eric Bradler is not your typical accordion player. As the new head of the classical accordion studies at Lamont, his vision is to promote the accordion as a chamber ensemble instrument, using its versatility as a substitute for the more traditional piano or organ. Mr. Bradler began his study of classical accordion at the age of seven with Kim Christian and did his undergraduate and masters work at the University of Denver with Robert Davine. He has won many awards of distinction including ATG National champion, the Frank Toth memorial award, and 7-time RMAS Open Virtuoso Solo Champion. He has performed with a variety of ensembles including the Da Vinci String Quartet, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and Cabrillo Festival Orchestra under the direction of Marin Alsop. In addition to his work with the accordion, Mr. Bradler serves as a lecturer in the Music Theory and Aural Skills Department at Lamont, and as accompanist at St. Mary Catholic Church in Littleton.

Currently Mr. Bradler is a member of The Playground, a Denver based group constructed of Lamont faculty and alumni. The ensemble performs contemporary works composed by members of the group as well as those of familiar modern composers. The repertoire spans from traditional sonorities and notation to graphic scores, electronic compositions, and performance art including multi-media presentations. The Playground is an Artist - In - Residence at the Lamont School of Music.

Eric Bradler performs on a Monarch free bass accordion with tone chambers on both the left and right hands. The tone chambers mellow the somewhat reedy sound of the traditional accordion into one comparable to that of a small organ. The free bass system changes the typical left hand setup of chords into single pitches organized chromatically in three rows. This system allows the left hand to be used for melodic lines as well as accompaniment.