Erik Mikkelsen grew up in the Raleigh area in a family of musicians. His music-teacher mother started him on violin at a very early age. From there he took up piano, which would become his main instrument from then on. He studied classical piano in the private studio of a respected local professor of piano and music pedagogy throughout his high school years. During that time he also played and sang with school and community choirs, as well as joining several rock, jazz, and folk bands on keyboards, drums and guitars. In college, Erik explored the western US. He continued to study music and to perform with choirs and bands, though his main academic focus turned towards psychology. He led music classes for young children at the request of a church group in Portland, OR, and offered private music lessons to a few students over a wide age range. Eventually his love of music won out over his interest in psychology, and he came back to focus entirely on music in his old stomping grounds.