teaching philosophy

More than any other medium, music has the ability to transcend in its immediacy of communication; without words, a connection is formed between composer, artist, and audience unparalleled in its ability to unify.

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Erin is a passionate advocate for music education, and currently teaches as the Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at Xavier University. Previously, she served as the clarinet professor at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, and has given masterclasses and taught at Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary, and McGill University. In addition, she served as Project Director for MusAid, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting instrument donations and coordinating volunteer music teachers for youth in developing countries. Erin also taught free music classes to children at the Inn from the Cold shelter in Calgary, and helped to launch and develop curriculum for PhilharmoniKids, the Calgary Philharmonic's el sistema inspired music program serving underprivileged children in the city. Through these experiences, Erin developed her core belief that sharing and learning through the arts brings great pleasure, deepens societal and personal development, and builds stronger, healthier communities.

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Erin also strives to introduce students to new music, and to empower young artists to develop their own voices. As part of her 2020 ArsWave project, Isolation Commissions, Erin commissioned high school senior and aspiring composer Micah Ballard to write a new string quartet, Let America be America again, inspired by Langston Hughes' poem of the same name and exploring themes of racial injustice.  She arranged for composition lessons and mentorship through the CCM prep department with composer Ellen Harrison, and helped prepare the CSYO Nouveau String Quartet, coached by Marion Peraza, for their premiere at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. She has sought to create performance opportunities for young artists throughout her career, and served on the Board for the Instrumental Society of Calgary as their Education and Outreach Coordinator.

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As a clarinet teacher, Erin's goal is to create an open and positive learning environment for cultivating an individual's love for music. Each lesson is tailored to meet the student's musical goals, level and learning style. She has experience teaching students of all ages, from absolute beginners to retired engineers, and encourages a solid foundation in fundamental techniques, theory, and repertoire.

Learning to play the clarinet is a fun, lifelong process. Music can open doors to new opportunities, and connect you to interesting friends and places. To inquire more about lessons, please get in touch here.