Areas of Research or Creative Practice: Conducting, Contemporary Music, Piano, Vocal Coaching,  Lyrical Diction, Japanese Choral Music

Erika Tazawa enjoys a versatile and collaborative musical career, actively performing as a conductor and pianist. She joined the Georgia Institute of Technology as an interim director of Chamber Choir and Glee Club in 2024, and prior to her appointment at Georgia Tech, she taught at Kennesaw State University and Emory University. Tazawa is active as a guest conductor of high school honor choirs and festivals, and often collaborates with community choirs and greater Atlanta schools in performances. In 2025, she will be leading the Georgia All-State Reading Chorus. Her recent research includes Japanese choral music as teaching repertoire, choral music as a reflection of immigration policies, and advocacy for women of color in choral leadership. She has been selected to present at the National ACDA Conference in 2025.

Tazawa is the pianist of Atlanta's contemporary music ensemble Bent Frequency. Known for their adventurous and socially conscious programming, Bent Frequency's annual call for scores garners over 500 submissions each year. Tazawa's debut solo album Rhythm of Silence, featuring 21st century piano works, was reviewed as "such intelligent programme-building and committed performances warrant serious attention and exposure" on Gramophone. Equally sought after as a vocal coach and pianist, she has served on musical staff at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria and the Atlanta Opera.