MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Erica Calvert

Erica is a gifted educator and performer empowering students with the musical knowledge they need to express their point of view and encourage them to use their skills to make a positive impact on the world. 

Erica was born and raised in Folsom, CA. Erica started playing piano when she was 7 and studied with Alice McKinley through high school. She competed in numerous recitals, festivals, and competitions and completed Level 9 of the MTAC Certificate of Merit program. Erica started teaching at age 14, trading piano lessons for voice lessons with her high school choir director. In addition to teaching private lessons, Erica has served as a church musician and choral accompanist for many years in the Sacramento area and in San Diego.

Erica attended Point Loma Nazarene University from 2002-2006, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Upon graduating, Erica spent 5 years in the non-profit sector, fundraising for San Diego’s public jazz radio station, KSDS-FM. In 2011, She returned to school to earn a California Teaching Credential and a Master of Arts in Teaching (2016). After earning the Musikgarten Cycle of Seasons certification, Erica taught preschool music at La Jolla Village Montessori School from 2017-2020, which was where she first had the idea for the Piano Key Puzzle. She developed a love for teaching preschool-age children during her time at LJVMS. From 2022-2023, Erica served as the Music Teacher at Trinity Christian School, where she taught K-8 students. She produced 4 Christmas shows and 4 special chapels and directed the after-school drama club.

Erica is an active member of MTNA (Music Teacher’s National Association) and the South San Diego chapter of CAPMT (California Association for Professional Music Teachers), serving as Secretary in the 2022-2023 term, co-chairing the Fall Festival and the Pop/Contemporary Festival.