Quick Facts about Erika
- Teaches Beginning Piano and voice
- Works best with beginner students or younger children ages 3+
- Bachelor's degree in Education
- Over ten years of experience with vocal work (including Acapella, jazz, and pop) as well as piano and ukulele
- Beginner bass instructor
- Can teach you to play and sing at the same time
Learn more about Erika
General Teaching Style
I use a growth mindset teaching style with my students where I value effort versus ability. Learning how to do anything simply takes time and practice so I see myself as a positive mentor to help encourage and instill healthy learning habits for children.
Curriculum
I incorporate the provided curriculum at Off the Wall with my own experiences of using the Suzuki method.
Most Inspirational Music Moments and Experiences
The most inspirational music moment for me was when I was in 6th grade and I learned the beauty of song-writing. I played and wrote songs on the piano almost every day and it's never left my journey.
Top 3 Desert Island Albums
Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection
St. Vincent - Actor
Luiz Bonfa - Solo in Rio 1959
Focus & Goals of the First Lesson
Students can expect to share goals they have, figure out what songs they're interested in learning and practicing, and determining what their zone of proximal development is so we know what songs to introduce.
Encouraging and Optimistic Teacher
My strengths as a teacher include being an encouraging mentor/cheerleader, having a natural openness to where mistakes are welcome (that's the way we get better right?), and understanding the needs of students to determine the best way forward with their learning and practice habits.
Beginner students or younger children ages 3+ would be great for me as I have a lot of experience working with that age range. I have a positive, caring, and optimistic attitude - an energy I feel younger students would appreciate when trying to learn a new instrument!