Erin Higgins

Viola

Violist Erin Higgins is in her element when she’s making music with and for others. Currently based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Higgins has been sharing her music with audiences for over 13 years. Specializing in classical performance, Erin is an experienced orchestral and chamber musician. Her performances have connected her with audiences in a variety of settings including concert halls, church congregations, botanical gardens, and downtown streets. 

Higgins is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Viola Performance at Carnegie Mellon University under the tutelage of David Harding as his graduate assistant.

Higgins has over a decade of experience as an orchestral musician. She currently performs in the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic and as a substitute violist in various regional orchestras in the Pittsburgh area. She has furthered her orchestral training by spending her summers at Brevard Music Center and Eastern Music Festival. She studies orchestral repertoire with Andrew Wickesberg, violist in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Higgins is an avid chamber musician and has received coaching in a variety of chamber music ensembles. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned groups such as the Kronos Quartet, Thalea String Quartet, Jasper String Quartet, and Sphinx Virtuosi. She was invited to perform in Ajijic, Mexico at the international Festival del Lago. She is a former member of the Mint String Quartet based in Greensboro, NC, who were named to 2023 Resident Chamber Ensemble with the organization Music for a Great Space.

Outside of the classical music realm, Erin has received training in old-time fiddling, Celtic music, and rock guitar. Offstage, Erin passionately advocates for the arts through her work in arts administration and music education.

Erin has played with Radiant Strings since 2023 but officially joined the team for the 2024 Fall Season. Her favorite Pittsburgh cookie table cookie is a classic chocolate chip.