Erika Cole
Welcome...



Erika Cole grew up in a house full of love.  Love for many sorts of things; her father for 

coaching ice hockey, her mother for being a guardian angel and dialysis nurse to many 

patients, and her younger sister a scholar in the academic and athletic world.  If anything, 

Erika learned at a young age, it is more than possible to find something you believe in and 

have a passion for.  If you ever visit the Cole household and watch the dozens of home 

videos, you will see what was evident as being Erika’s love; Singing.  Ever since imitating 

The Sound of Music, LeAnn Rimes, and Celine Dion, Erika has been hooked on that drug 

called “music.” 

 

Growing up in a very small suburban farm town in New York State, it was hard to venture 

into her love of music.  She would often wonder where she could find out more about this 

world of music.  That is where a very important woman stepped into her life, her elementary 

school’s new music teacher, Ms.Sue Brooke.  She brought in arrangements that had the 

students all excited, but Erika could not believe that finally the world of music was 

introduced to her.  Erika will forever be grateful to this wonderful musician, mentor, and 

friend for bringing passion into her life and opening the door to her future. 

 

Over the years following those elementary days, Erika rapidly progressed in her exposure to 

music.  Her high school did not have a musical theory class, but she was able to slide into 

open doors and experience as much music as she possibly could in her hometown.  She was 

involved in four All County Choruses, Area All State Choir, NYS Selected All-State Mixed 

Choir, TriArts Professional Summer Theatre in Connecticut, and scored a 98% on a 

NYSSMA rating level 6.  She was classically trained and took private vocal lessons for five 

years, up until her Senior year of high school.  As Class President, Chorus Vice President and 

Theatre Guild President, Erika knew that she would have a busy Senior year but was hoping 

more than anything to find the perfect place for her after her high school years. 

 

 Her decision to apply to Berklee College of Music came after she received the role of Aida 

in Elton John and Time Rice’s Rock-Musical “Aida.” It was with the experience of ‘Aida,’ 

when she realized that it was on a stage singing a song when her heart truly was able to open 

up.  Erika experienced true emotion when she stood on a stage and sang, and she knew that 

she found her “love” in a very special thing called music.  To be able to identify to a song 

and pour your soul into every syllable sung was something that came naturally, and it was 

something that Erika knew she had to take hold to and never let go.  Music is what molded 

Erika into the young woman she is today, and with music is where she’s met her best friends, 

developed self-confidence, and connected with peers and strangers alike.  And it is music that 

led her to Boston, MA to Berklee College of Music

 

At Berklee, Erika has been able to grow more musically then ever imaginable.  She has 

gained so much knowledge and experience.  She is eternally grateful for the yellow brick 

road of life for paving her way to Berklee.  Blessed is an understatement for this young 

woman.  She has a beautiful life full of friends, family, passion, hope, and the magic of 

music.  And she is eternally grateful to have found that magic.  More than anything, Erika 

hopes to one day move to Nashville and pursue her dreams of leading a life consumed by 
her passion...a little something called, Country Music with Soul.


 

Another Musical Project - "Changing Clocks"

 Hey Ya'll! 

While at Berklee, I am trying to be involved in an many musical activities as possible.  In October of 2008, I was honored when asked to be the lead vocalist for A Pop/Rock band at Berklee called, "Changing Clocks."  It is comprised of Berklee students, and the music is written by Berklee guitarist Matt Rodrigues.  Check out our rockin' EP at our myspace page!

http://www.myspace.com/changingclocks

"Changing the world one song at a time..."