Eric Despard, M.M.

part-time instructor, the hunter division of humanities

edespard@svc.edu

Education

  • Master of Music, Yale School of Music, Yale University, 1994
  • Bachelor of Music, Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, 1992 

Teaching experience

  • Part-time Faculty, Southern Vermont College, 2001-present
  • Instructor of Guitar, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 2001-present
  • Applied Artist Faculty, Bennington Music School, Rutgers Community Music Program, Wesminster Conservatory, New Jersey School of the Arts, and Turtle Bay Music School

Courses

  • Music Appreciation
  • Fundamentals of Music (Music Theory)
  • History of Rock and Roll
  • Jazz History
  • World Music
  • Music Through Guitar
  • Quest for Success 
  • Course 2

Research interests

I have a passion for Spanish and Latin Guitar Music and a recital program that I have presented throughout the Northeast and Central Atlantic states. My other musical loves are Blues, Jazz, Rock and Heavy Metal. A day doesn't go by when I don't listen or play the music of J.S. Bach. History is a personal interest of mine and Music History, Art History, great literature and poetry highlight the humanity and achievements of people throughout the ages.

CONCERTS AND RECITALS

I've performed concerts throughout North America including recitals at Yale University, Rutgers University, Munt Holyoke College and various jazz, rock and blues clubs.

RECORDINGS

The Latin Guitar: Solo Guitar, Live at the Bennington Museum
Bebop, Blues Bossa, and Beyond, jazz guitar and bass with pianist Michelle Labieniec.

Why I teach

Every time I walk into a classroom I learn as much from the students as I teach  to them. I enjoy the journey of discovery and educational exploration. It is an amazing experience to relate information about all aspects of great music, musicians and the communities and societies that influence and shape them. Making connections to multiple disciplines in both an historical and contemporary context is very exciting to me.

Favorite Book

Too many to list, but I enjoy nonfiction books about science, history, philosophy, biographies, and of course books about music and art. I like the fact that these tales are real and that most lives are far more fantastic and unbelievable than any author could imagine.

Favorite Movie

This is Spinal Tap.

Best part of being at SVC

I enjoy working with the diverse student body at SVC, and the faculty and staff are terrific! There's a real sense of place and community.