BlueJay Ballads

Hiya! My name is Erika! And I have been teaching and playing music since I was 14 years old. I started out a little younger at the age of 8 playing a small accordion, and from there my love of music and teaching it later on grew and grew! My grandparents were opera singers and instilled musical talent into my entire family. They once gave me a piano from an old church they’d gone to. I was able to teach myself Greensleeves and Charlie Brown. I would sit at that piano right by the living room window and practice everyday. In the summer I would open my window and listen to the vibrations of the piano keys whisk through the wind and resonate over the rustling of the trees. I’ll never forget those days. My mother and son both have perfect pitch. She plays bass guitar, and he plays piano. I taught all of my cousins to play acoustic guitar. My uncle plays piano and toured Europe in a band. My father played saxophone, but has since passed away. I also have a love of languages and am learning Japanese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish! After I moved from my old neighborhood, I was forced to leave my precious piano behind. Over the years I have branched off into learned 17 different instruments, as well as voice in contralto! Being unable to obtain a formal education has made me very compassionate and supportive of others. I love to teach and love to see others happy. I know how having music in my life has affected me and protected me in so many ways but everyone may not have access to these things. Others may lack the confidence or just may not know about music too much. I want everyone to experience the joys that I have regardless of economic circumstances, knowledge, experience, or ability. It’s only fair. Right now I teach electric, acoustic, and 12 string guitar and reverie harp. I teach guitar from the Mel Bay’s Guitar Method book. I do believe that a student should start playing as soon as possible so as not to lose interest or make things a chore, but structure is just as important. If there is no structure, you may create bad habits that will not only plateau your music after a while, but make you frustrated enough to quit. I don’t want that for anyone. As far as 12 string there are certain songs that use 12 string guitars, such as Brown Eyed Girl, and I can teach the strumming patterns associated with that guitar as well as finger picking. It makes that particular instrument sound like the twinkling stars! I can show you how! With reverie harp, it’s very basic and no book is needed. I teach reverie by hand placement and tuning. If you need help with these instruments I can show you where to go to get one at low cost, and what to look for as far as quality and brand. If need be sometimes I am able to get an instrument for my students myself. Reverie harps tend to be expensive and I would not feel comfortable lending that one without a written contract. I hope I am able to work with you soon and help you find the joy in music! There is so much to be had! Thanks so much!