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Hello, I'm Erica Ward!My love for teaching music runs deep and always has. It totally floats my boat to to help someone find joy in making music, or simply in learning something new!
As a teaching artist, my ultimate goal is to help my students to form skills that aid and develop a lifelong love of music. We learn that we can work hard AND have fun! I draw from a variety of schools of thought about violin pedagogy to form my own approaches with each student individually. I think it’s important to offer my students opportunities beyond their weekly lessons, to enhance the depth of their musical experience. Therefore my teaching curriculum includes opportunities to play together, learn from one another, and perform for the community. To learn more about what sets my studio apart, read below! If you’d like to read more about my qualifications and career path, please check out my bio. |
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Private LessonsI believe a great relationship between a musician and their instrument starts first with a great relationship with their teacher. I work closely with students and their families to find the balance between learning a tough skill (let's be real) and having fun along the way. Parents are a big part of the success story for my students. We work together to discover what makes a student 'tick', and how to use positive growth mindset strategies to encourage a student in their studies.
I love to teach all kinds of students. My first teacher set an incredible example for me in his commitment to whomever walked through his doors. My commitment is the same. Want to try something new and just see where it goes? Have special learning abilities? I'll help you. Want to reach for the sun and attain pre-professional training? I'll take you all the way. Have a look at the Student Dashboard to see what our current learning platform entails. |
Chamber MusicThe fundamental mission of ASA is "to build community by making great music together."
Music. With people. Our kids need it. We need it. Plus, it's super fun and a fantastic way to inspire and encourage others! That's why it's a priority to me to teach ensemble skills and make opportunities abundant for my students. I teach these skills early, but in developmentally appropriate ways. I like to group students together based on skill level or musical interest. Sometimes, it's a duet or trio, and sometimes we arrange a piece for the entire studio, regardless of skill level. Playing with other instruments is an ear-opening experience. Students must learn to listen much more closely. They cooperate and collaborate in rehearsal and learn how to work flexibly with others in a team setting. And in a time when many of our kids will be interacting increasingly more through non-verbal social media, I think these skills will be even more valuable as they enter the wider world. |
Studio Classes |
Recitals & Other Performances |
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Is my child really ready to play for others? Won't they be too nervous? ... I get this question a lot, and guess what? Most of the time, the parents are actually more anxious than the child!
I'm making something available to my students that most serious musicians don't get regularly until they go to college, and I'm seeing the benefits. With five studio classes a year, my students have frequent opportunities to hang out and listen to the other musicians in my studio. They get to share their music at different stages of the working process, which is so helpful for everyone to observe. They learn that they can encourage and inspire others, even when things aren't perfect. I love that! By the time the concert rolls around, they know what to expect, and can just focus on sharing their music and enjoying the experience. |
In addition to our twice-yearly recitals, we are often invited to perform for local events. My students are also encouraged to organize their own concerts and find ways to give back to the community. Students have played for the Alameda Rotary, Off The Grid, Legacy Home Tour, at local retirement homes and parks, and have even done two full-day school tours as a chamber orchestra!
These students stretch their leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills to the max, and I love seeing them take enthusiastic ownership over their performance projects. My favorite part is seeing them come back with a renewed sense of accomplishment and purpose. They know that they can make a difference, and they come back ready to level-up and do it again and again. In addition to giving performances, I encourage my students to attend concerts in the area -- whether it be my concerts, bands or the symphony, or children's concerts! |
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Think we'd be a great fit?Super! I'd love to get to know you.
Please click below to schedule a discovery call and get signed up for the waitlist. |
Tuition30 minute lessons: $250/month
45 minute lessons: $345/month 60 minute lessons: $440/month Tuition covers weekly private lessons, Studio Classes and Studio Recitals. Please read the Policies for more information. |
