Composer and arranger Eric Kitchen was born in Williamsport, Maryland in 1951. Piano study began at age seven with Peabody alumna Helen Beachley. His first performances were at the nearby Manor Church of the Brethren. Further piano study followed with James Pierce at Frostburg State College, and with Hermann Godes at West Virginia University.

At age twenty-two Eric turned to composition as an outgrowth of informal accompanying sessions with lexicographer Dr. Philip H. Goepp. He then took formal composition training with Thomas Canning, C. James Shepherd, and John Beall at WVU. His composing was further influenced during that time by master classes with Pulitzer Prize winning composers George Crumb, George Rochberg, and Morton Gould.

His compositions combine historically accepted concepts with harmonic language unique to the era. The themes since 1993 focus on the struggle for continuing optimism through a personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. His hymn arrangements, transcriptions, and Scripture settings are intended for use in worship services.

Eric Kitchen resides with his family in the mountains of Maryland where he founded the sacred music publishing house Euphonion Press.