Rick Dorfer
Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music, Bachelor of Music, Artist Diploma, RCM Examiner and Certified Teacher, Suzuki Registered Teacher, Member of BCRMTA and AFM/VMA
As a violinist with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Rick Dorfer combines an active performing career with a deep commitment to teaching and community leadership.
He engages and inspires students at Capilano University and at his Studio in South Surrey, where his teaching balances technical discipline with encouragement. His students have gone on to leading post-secondary programs and careers in both performance and education.
Rick is also active as a conductor, with a focus on youth and educational ensembles. For over a decade, he has led the Junior Orchestra of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, shaping the musical development of young players through orchestral training. His previous roles include conducting the Surrey Youth Orchestra, serving as Assistant Conductor of the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, and guest conducting with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond his work as a teacher and performer, Rick contributes broadly to the music community. He is the Artistic Director of Music, Meadows and Mountains, a summer retreat that blends an immersive musical experience with a beautiful natural environment. He serves as a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners, evaluating students across Canada and internationally, and is a frequent adjudicator and masterclass clinician at festivals throughout British Columbia and Alberta. His commitment to music education and service was recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Rick holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Washington. His studies also include a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Music from Kent State University, along with a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts. Along with significant professional development courses, his training informs a teaching style that combines high standards with collaboration, creativity, and individual growth
Erin Dorfer
Master of Music, Bachelor of Music, Artist Certificate, RCM Registered Teacher, Suzuki Registered Teacher, Member of BCRMTA and AFM/VMA
Erin Dorfer is a passionate and accomplished violin teacher based in South Surrey, British Columbia. Known for her warm, student-centered teaching style, she brings both professionalism and heart to every lesson.
Erin holds a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of British Columbia and she recently completed a year at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague, Netherlands in Baroque violin. During her time in Europe, she studied with Kati Debretzeni, and had further studies with Shunske Sato, Walter Reiter and Rebecca Huber. Performance highlights include a concert with the Orchestra of the 18th Century. While abroad, she also attended pedagogy lectures and classes.
Erin maintains a thriving private studio, offering lessons to violinists of all ages and skill levels. She is a trained Suzuki teacher and blends the Suzuki philosophy with traditional classical technique to create a customized approach for each student. Her students benefit from both one-on-one instruction and group classes, including Suzuki group classes, technique classes and chamber music coaching.
In addition to teaching, Erin performs professionally with the Vancouver Island Symphony and collaborates regularly with chamber and Baroque ensembles across Western Canada. She is also actively involved in the broader music education community, serving on the Suzuki Music/Musique Canada E-newsletter committee.
Whether nurturing young beginners or mentoring advanced players, Erin creates a supportive environment that fosters both technical excellence and a lifelong love of music.
When not teaching or playing the violin, Erin enjoys working out, gardening, reading fantasy/sci-fi books, and baking.
Dorfer Music Studio 