Eric Barakat dreams of a day when everyone will play and sing music. Inspired by the positive effect which music has, Mr. Barakat has dedicated his life to sharing the experience with his students and their families. Mr. Barakat is widely known throughout Connecticut for his gentle, inspiring, and lively approach to working with individuals of all ages and abilities.
Mr. Barakat has been involved with Laurel Music Camp, the oldest Music camp in Connecticut, since 1996. Unique among summer camps, Laurel focuses on how the ensemble experience betters the musician as a person. As a young camper, he found a home that instilled the belief in fellowship through music. He since has been a staff member for over 15 years, three as the Committee Chair of Public Relations. Mr. Barakat continues to teach annual Conducting Clinics and acts as a Choral and Trombone Mentor to high school aged students. He has helped build Laurel Music Camp’s reach across New York and New England to provide access to music for all.
As a member of the Connecticut Music Educator’s Association, Mr. Barakat has been a vocal adjudicator for the Connecticut All-State Music Festival. Working with both middle school and high school levels, he has instructed Low Brass for the Cheshire, Colchester, East Windsor, and Somers public school systems.
Mr. Barakat restores and repairs brass instruments at The Music Lab in Southington, CT under musician and Master Brass Technician, David Zoni. There, Mr. Barakat assists in everything from routine maintenance to one-of-a-kind customization.
Passing his audition for the UConn School of Fine arts in February of 2020, Mr. Barakat overcame the many difficulties of being a 40-year-old freshman at the height of the pandemic. Mr. Barakat persevered, and 4 years later Eric has earned his BA in Music. Mr. Barakat has been a member of the UConn Trombone Choir, Symphonic Band and Earthtones Choir.
Mr. Barakat’s students enjoy fun, energetic lessons specifically structured for their ability levels and goals. Students learn respect for their instrument, their craft, and themselves because Mr. Barakat loves nothing more than showing people how great they are!