On a Thursday evening in mid-November, the seats in Madsen Hall quickly filled. Students, faculty, parishioners from a local Catholic church, and members of the Quad Cities community streamed into the recital space, eager to hear five original compositions by Rev. Eric Koami Kpotor, a Roman Catholic priest from the Society of African Missions (SMA).
When Fr. Eric stepped onto the stage, he wasn’t just presenting a senior capstone. He was sharing music shaped by prayer, vocation and a lifetime of service – music he carried across continents and into classrooms.
“I was nervous, but at the end, I was so happy,” the music composition major said. “The audience admired what I had done. They gave me the strength to continue.”
The recital became a moment of vulnerability, pride and fulfillment, the culmination of a journey that began thousands of miles from Davenport, Iowa, in his home country of Togo.
A Journey Rooted in Calling
In 2019, his congregation – the Society of African Missions – sent him to the United States to serve as parochial vicar at Christ the King Catholic Church in Moline, Illinois. While ministering there, a longtime passion resurfaced.
“In Togo, we did not really have music departments in the university,” he said. “So, as I came here, I seized the opportunity to learn music.”
With the support of Rev. Don Levitt, pastor of Christ the King, he began taking classes at Black Hawk College before transferring to St. Ambrose University later that year. The path was not straightforward. In 2022, his superiors called him back to Togo for another mission, and he had to pause his studies.
“I was a little bit worried when I was asked to go back home. I can’t say no,” he said. “One of the most difficult vows for us priests is obedience. So when the superior says, ‘come back,’ you have to come back.”
After three years back home, his congregation granted him permission to return and complete his degree.
A Degree with a New Purpose
Before coming to St. Ambrose, Fr. Eric had already completed two degrees, one in philosophy and one in theology, as part of his formation for the priesthood. Composition is his third degree, and he says it aligns closely with his ministry.
“Music is life, and there is music all over within the church,” he said. “My aim is that since I had the opportunity to do this, I will go back and help people to get real training in music, especially the children and the youth.”
His goals extend well beyond personal accomplishment.
“My aim actually is to impact others,” he said. “Share it with people around me. Help choir directors, church choirs, and help those who have the skill but need someone to guide them.”
A Recital Filled with Meaning
His senior recital on Nov. 13 reflected that sense of purpose. According to the music department, it was one of the best-attended student recitals in recent memory.
“Many people came from Christ the King Church, where I served previously, which shows the love they have for me,” he said.
He presented five original works from his almost 100-page portfolio. His first piece, “With a Prayerful Heart,” a composition for piano and violin, was written at the start of his studies.
“It was my beginning in 2020,” he said. “I wanted to compose something that shows how I entrust my journey into the hand of God. I chose violin for its warm, nice and prayerful sounds, and piano to set the good background.”
His second piece, “What Do You Seek?,” a composition for piano/flute/violin/and choir, drew from the words of the SMA founder Bishop Melchior De Marion Brésillac, calling missionaries to serve with sacrifice rather than ambition. The third piece, a choir composition, honored St. Joseph. A fourth composition served as a film score for a short film titled “The Lost Piano.” The final piece, a song of gratitude composed for piano and voice, was dedicated to those who supported him through his studies.
“It was a way for me to thank everyone,” he said. “I can never stop thanking people for their love for me, for their care for me, for their help towards me.”
Performing his own work brought a deep sense of fulfillment.
“I felt so proud of myself,” he said. “I felt so proud of my congregation, and those who really put their resources and energy to help me through this.”
An Artist Shaped by Community
Fr. Eric said the St. Ambrose community played a significant role in his success.
“I realized that the campus is very welcoming. They are respectful,” he said. “This allowed me the room to grow and learn.”
He also expressed gratitude for the professors who guided him and helped shape his identity as a composer. Their mentorship, he said, offered challenge and encouragement at every stage.
“I have learned a lot from all of them,” he said. “I really took a little bit from everybody.”
That guidance, combined with the discipline required in composition, shaped him personally as well.
“One thing I have learned is patience,” he said. “As a composer, you learn never to abandon a piece, even if it isn’t coming out how you pictured. You continue the creative process.”
Returning Home with New Tools
Graduation marks the beginning of the next chapter. When he returns to Togo, Fr. Eric will resume his roles in vocation ministry, youth outreach and directing his province’s web-based evangelization TV station, work he says is deeply tied to music.
“I’ve realized how important music is for SMA TOGO TV,” he said. “Very often, the technicians ask you for music to use for jingles. My aim also is to continue learning so that I can help them better.”
He hopes to establish a private music school to provide structured musical training and possibly offer certificate-based programs in collaboration with institutions abroad.
“I really want to start something as pre-college requirement,” he said. “So that those who are coming to learn will be motivated by something.”
He also plans to continue his studies in composition and film scoring.
“With this degree, I know I have the background,” he said. “I can continue to specialize myself in film music, because film music opens the way to a lot of varied styles of music, including skills in music studio and music technology.”
A Message for Future Musicians
To students exploring the field, Fr. Eric offers enthusiastic encouragement.
“With music, you can really relate to people easily,” he said. “I used to be very shy, but because of music, I’m able to come out and be who I am today.”
He said composition, in particular, allows musicians to express what lies deepest within them.
“Composition is a great way to express ideas,” he said. “Your joys, your happiness, your sadness, and your relationship with God.”
As he prepares to graduate, gratitude remains at the heart of his journey.
“I thank everybody that helped me through this process, especially Fr. Levitt, without whom this journey would not have been possible,” he said. “One of my mottos in life is to always persevere for what you want. There might be discouragement, but always persevere.”
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