Miss Erica started Airshine Music School in 2010 out of her condo living room in Normal Heights. After spending five years working in fundraising, she returned to her passions: music and education. The school stayed small while Erica stayed home with her two boys. In February 2017, La Jolla Village Montessori School hired Miss Erica to teach Musikgarten to preschool children. Since then, Airshine has grown from 12 students in one spare room, to 60 students in a 700-square foot studio with 2 classrooms, 2 private studios and an inviting lobby in North Park. Miss Erica is thrilled at how the school has grown in numbers and quality and is looking forward to the next exciting chapter.
Mr. Gray moved to San Diego from Washington state, and loves living in this sunny city. Michael teaches orchestra, band, choir and percussion at Hilltop High School in Chula Vista. He can teach just about any instrument under the Southern California sun, including: Trumpet, French Horn, Tuba, Trombone, Euphonium, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Percussion/Drums, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Ukulele, Accordion, Recorder and even the Tin Whistle. We are so lucky to have such a seasoned teacher to share his years of experience.
Miss Melissa and Miss Erica were undergraduates together at Point Loma Nazarene University from 2002-2006, where Melissa earned her Music Education degree and teaching credential. After ten years teaching elementary, middle and high school, she has taken a step back from full-time teaching to raise her three young boys. But she is keeping her toe in the teaching waters at Airshine as a substitute teacher, since she can teach every instrument (even the double reeds!).
Erica Calvert is a great teacher. My daughter had never played an instrument before starting piano lessons. At our first meeting before lessons started, Erica took the time to talk to my daughter about what kind of music she liked and ever since my daughter's assignments have been very well tailored to keep her interested and challenged. Erica is also quite flexible in what pieces are studied, and helped my daughter play piano accompaniment in the school musical after less than 6 months of lessons. Erica also arranged other opportunities for her students to gain performance experience in a fun and supportive setting. You can tell that Erica is a true educator, not just someone who knows how to play piano and gives lessons on the side. She incorporates a good amount of music theory into the lessons, in a way that is age and ability appropriate. She is kind and patient but firm, and I think my daughter has gained far more than piano skills from her piano lessons. I have seen adults and children alike flourish in their musical development thanks to Erica. I couldn't be more pleased with our experience.
Erica has served as my piano teacher and has proven an extraordinary teacher of music. I can personally attest to her great skill as a teacher and her unique ability to transcend age and ability in her capacity to impart musical skills. Meeting weekly and covering both theory and practical lessons, I have learned a great amount in a limited time. Prior to piano lessons with Erica, I had no previous experience playing any instrument, nor had I taken any classes. Erica’s approach is patient and dynamic, providing structure while encouraging exploration. While it will be many years until I can count myself as a “piano player,” I know that I look forward to those years learning under Erica’s tutelage. In short, I wholeheartedly endorse Erica and enthusiastically recommend her to any person, of any age, seeking to learn to play the piano.
Erica’s excellent musicianship, skill, and robust knowledge of music makes her the greatest tool in my pocket as a band leader. I’m constantly consulting her throughout the week and during rehearsal to make our songs better and to better myself as a musician and singer. She is kind and warm and makes me desire to grow as a musician and vocalist.
I have always wanted to take singing lessons but have been afraid to get started. I used to play the flute in high school and have always loved music. Erica is a skilled professional teacher who modifies each lesson listening to see where I am on my learning curve. She teaches theory and has advanced musical knowledge with many years of experience. She makes me feel comfortable and confident through each lesson. I have already seen my voice reach levels I never thought possible. She is an incredible teacher who inspires me each lesson.
I'm thrilled to have Erica as my teacher. She is patient and compassionate but also how to challenge me. I'm incredibly proud of the skill I have developed and the progress I have made.