Coordination and attention to detail play a crucial role for Capt. Erik Suter (Air Wisconsin) when he’s miles high in the sky as a CRJ200 pilot. However, these same skills are equally important when he’s firmly planted on the ground, seated on an organ bench performing to a captivated audience in a prestigious concert hall.
Suter is an acclaimed organist who spends his off-duty time performing fugues and other classical compositions in beautiful cathedrals and concert halls around the world.
“There are quite a few similarities between flying and playing music,” Suter says. “You need to be physically fit and well-coordinated. You need to think about the big picture while keeping track of the details. You put a lot of the same skills to use, but with different applications.”
As the son of a Lutheran minister, Suter spent much of his childhood becoming acquainted with the church organ. He took piano lessons at age six and moved on to organ lessons during high school.
The pilot has accumulated an impressive list of accolades in his career as a professional organist. Perhaps most notable was his work at the Washington National Cathedral—from 1998 to 2007—where he played for both state occasions and concerts.
Read more about Suter’s career, including his most memorable performance honoring President Ronald Reagan and visit to learn where Capt. Erik Suter will be performing this fall and hear some of his latest music.