Erika S

4.5
4.5 (19)

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Saxophone, Clarinet, Ukulele, Recorder, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Djembe, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Musical Theater, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Swing, Marching Band

Where I Teach:

My Studio Online

Ages Taught: 5-80

Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT

Degrees / Training / Special Info:

PhD. in Psychology, University of California Santa Barbara

Awards:

I was awarded Most Outstanding Band Member at Atascadero High School in 1980 (clarinet).

I achieved a perfect score on the final exam of my Music Theory course at UCSC in 1982.

Overview:

I am a lifelong musician from a musical family. I majored in biology and music in college, graduating with honors, and then earned a PhD. in cognitive science, the study of how people think, learn, read and remember. I use my understanding of how the brain works to customize music lessons for each student's learning needs. I am a friendly, outgoing person and my students often hear me encouraging them to play or sing LOUDER! I live in beautiful Durango, Colorado. I love to swim, hike, play racquetball, ski, grow vegetables in my backyard, read, watch movies, and of course play, sing and dance with other musicians. My home music studio is called Over the Rainbow Music, now located in the Purple People House near the Smiley building.

EXPERIENCE

I love making music with all kinds of people, but I now specialize in gifted and twice-exceptional children, adults who are re-starting an instrument after many years, family lessons in which each member has different a learning need or even a different instrument, and facilitating interactive musical events (such as community sing-alongs, drum circles, and eclectic ensemble performances.) My teaching style is Learning by Doing, and I employ mindfulness training, performance-readiness, breathing and stretching routines. The most important thing is to have fun playing the music you want to play.

METHODS USED

Different methods for different needs is how I help each person learn for maximum enjoyment and success. I include stretching, finger exercises, focusing tools, and relaxation techniques. Music pieces and techniques may include portions of method books, classical pieces, popular songs, and self-written songs. I teach beginners to read music (even if they cannot read words yet) and to play creatively, by ear (even if they can already read music.) But most importantly, I help students learn to play music for FUN. "Practicing" is called "Playing at Home," and I encourage finding non-stressful ways of sharing one's love of music with others.

LESSON STYLE

We get a lot done and touch on many topics in every lesson, but the most important thing is that students will feel like 'work is play' and they are learning by doing. Smiles and laughter are helpful tools for musicians. Warming up, relaxation and focus, exercises, sharing familiar songs, learning new pieces and techniques, sight reading, playing by ear, duets, music theory, dancing/stretching, rhythm games, singing, and improvisation are also included. I inspire learning by finding out about each person's interests and reasons for wanting to play music and customizing their lesson. I bring unusual instruments to try, find simplified versions of your favorite songs, and share information about music history and musicians' lives.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

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RATING & REVIEWS

4.5

4.5 (19)

5 star

(10)

4 star

(9)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Summer Hull

Yes, I would recommend Erika to friends. She is a great music teacher!

Catherine Mcelwain

Erika is very accommodating and is a lot of fun. She keeps the lesson entertaining for our daughter

Jessica

I have been very pleased with my music lessons so far. I bought a 4 pack of lessons and have had 2 plus the orientation. I have learned a lot and farther than i thought I'd been. Thank you so much erika and musika.

Brooke

She is good; very lively and keeps it exciting. We've only had a few lessons, but so far, so good.

Denise

She is wonderful. Have really enjoyed my piano lessons. Thank you.

Shelley

She is delightful! I have learned a lot already and it is fun, not boring. Erika's enthusiasm is catching!

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