Erika Anne Schenker

Erika was born on June 2, 1942 in Montreal, Canada. Her parents, Victor and Anne(Malamud) were both biochemists. Her father was also a gifted cellist.

Erika began piano lessons at the age of 3, learning to read music before she learned to read words.She continued her piano studies through high school, but decided to major in English in college. She attended Mount Holyoke College for two years before deciding she could could not live without music. She transferred to Mannes College of Music in New York City, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1964. She also studied musicology at Columbia University.

Erika was a brilliant musician and beloved piano teacher who taught countless children and adults in New York City and Westchester for over 55 years. She always said her goal was not just to teach her students piano, but to inspire in them a life-long love of music.

She met her life partner, Roberta, also a musician, in 1977. Together they spent 42 years making music, traveling in the summer - including a ten week RV trip to Alaska and back, throwing wonderful dinner parties where wine, laughter, and great conversations flowed.

Erika was devoted to her dogs; a succession of Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers.

Besides her teaching, Erika was a vital part of Croton’s music and arts scene. As president of the Croton Council on the Arts, she organized and performed in many chamber music concerts, created a chamber music program for children, and started the Local Color art exhibit, among other activities. She also was an accompanist for Croton Children’s Theatre for more than ten years.

Erika joined the board of directors at the Bennett Conservatory. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Bennett Conservatory Scholarship Fund, 18. Van Wyck St., Croton-on-Hudson, New York, 10520.

There will be a memorial celebration of Erika’s life later in the Spring.