Erika G.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

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• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: Yes
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Piano, Violin, Music Theory, Viola

Education

Lamont School of Music, Denver - Viola Performance - 2009-present (not complete)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Viola Performance - 2004-2009 (Bachelor's degree received)

Specialties

I specialize in classical music and am trained in the Suzuki Method (violin/viola) pre-twinkle through book four.

Lesson Details

I tailor my lesson plans to each individual student because everyone has their own unique learning style. Our first lesson will consist of finding out which learning style works best for you (i.e. visual, auditory, tactile) and what you want to accomplish during our time together. If you already have some experience on your instrument we'll also do an assessment, which is basically you playing a prepared piece of your choice for me.

As a teacher, I like to provide as well-rounded an ... education as I possibly can. Not only do you learn how to play your instrument, but you'll also learn the "building blocks" of Western music, the "whys" of music, and how to perform in front of an audience.

I'm an extremely laid back and easy going person; I understand just how busy and unpredictable life can be! That being said, playing an instrument isn't easy and does require practice and hard work - not to worry, though - it'll still be fun and rewarding!

My curriculum does vary based on instrument, age, and skill level. For young beginners learning violin/viola, I prefer to use the Suzuki Method (Pre-Twinkle - Book 4). When teaching piano, I've found the Alfred Series to be beneficial to both young and adult students (beginning through intermediate). With my advanced students, I use literature in the standard repertoire. However, if there's a certain method or set of books that you've used in previous lessons and would like to continue with, I'll be happy to accommodate you.

Everyone learns and masters concepts at their own pace, so it's quite difficult to predict where a student will be in just a few months. For Pre-Twinkle students, many graduate to their real instrument between 2-6 months. Many beginning piano students will be playing music with both hands and chords by 3 months. Students that have prior experience can expect to learn at least a few new concepts by 3 months. One of the most important things to remember about music lessons is that you get what you put in. In other words, your progress directly correlates with the amount of hard work that you do!

Lastly, I would like to explain my parent/guardian involvement policy regarding younger students. I require an adult present in every lesson if the student is under 13, preferably one that lives with the student. The reason for this requirement is for practice - it's extremely difficult for students that age to correct their own posture, learn their own music, etc. unless they have consistent help from someone that is observing and participating in their lessons. While I don't require an adult present for students 13 and older, if you do wish to observe, you're more than welcome to!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my profile, have a wonderful day!

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About

Erika is a multi-instrumentalist on a mission - to share the power of music with as many people as possible!

Raised by an opera singer, Erika was exposed to classical music before birth; she knew how to read music before she could read words! From an early age, Erika knew that she was going to be a musician. At 10 years old, she began her study of piano; at 12, she taught herself viola and violin. Her career started at the age of 14 with a church pianist job and her very first private ... student. By 16, she was playing viola with the local symphony orchestra, accompanying collegiate vocalists, and teaching adults 20 years her senior! Before leaving for college, Erika had the very special honor of being one of eight pianists chosen state-wide to attend the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts.

Erika received her Bachelor's Degree in viola performance from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is currently finishing her Master's Degree in viola performance at Lamont School of Music, University of Denver. During her contracted time at Lamont, Erika was also the viola Graduate Teaching Assistant. After earning her Master's Degree, Erika plans to pursue a Doctorate in viola pedagogy. Erika has also played with numerous symphonies and chamber groups. She is currently the Principal Violist of the Lakewood Symphony and violist of the Tesseract Quartet.

With eleven years teaching and performance experience, Erika believes that anyone can learn an instrument and that everyone benefits from music! Regardless of a person's age or innate ability, Erika believes that with an experienced teacher and the proper instruction, the benefits of music lessons are continued through life.

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