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Learn More About Erica's Experience:

Bible studies I attended a private Christian school, from 2nd grade through my high school graduation in 2002. My high school Bible courses included Systematic Theology and Ethics. Student Leadership provided a way for me to live the faith that I had so diligently learned. After high school, I attended Point Loma Nazarene University for its distinctive faith-based education, especially in the Music Department. I was required to take 3 courses from the Religion/Theology department and to attend chapel three times per week. I voluntarily partcipated in Bible Studies as well. I have also been in church leadership roles through praise bands, singing in choir, conducting choir, and accompanying on piano. general music My musical experiences include Classical piano(from Bach to Beethoven, Brahms, and Bartok), some jazz and pop. I am an experienced singer: Classical, opera, musical theatre and vocal jazz. I am also an experienced in church music, both accompanying, directing the choir and special music solos and small ensembles. music history Thanks to very comprehensive piano and vocal studies, I learned much of musical history early. I completed 4 music history courses, which covered music from the Renaissance to 20th Century and World Music. I have my textbooks and listening examples for student instruction. music theory Through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Certificate of Merit program, I completed 10 levels of theory before entering college, which allowed me to go directly into the Music Theory II class, which covered (and I quote from the course catalog), "study of harmonic procedures in homophonic and polyphonic settings with emphasis upon seventh chords, secondary dominants, and modulation. Includes laboratory in keyboard harmony, ear training, and sight singing." I also completed Music Theory III, which covered, "Study of musical structures from late Renaissance polyphony to, and including, the present. Study of seventh, ninth, eleventh, Neapolitan sixth, Augmented sixth, and other altered chords. Continuation of the development of analytical tools and aural skills; ear training, sight singing, and keyboard harmony" (PLNU Course Catalog). piano I earned by B.A. in Music, with an emphasis in Piano, class of 2006. I completed 8 semesters of private musical study with Dr. Victor Labenske. I accompanied many instrumentalists, vocalists and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. In my senior year I presented a 30-minute recital, featuring Romantic and Impressionist music. My piano teaching began at the end of my freshman year of high school, in 1999. I have taught students from age 4 to adult. My experience has been mainly with beginners and intermediate students, and I am looking to teach all levels. sight singing My singing began in kids choir in church. In high school I sang in the school choir, praise and worship band and musical theatre. My private study began at the end of my freshman year, jumpstarted by my role as Liesl von Trapp in "The Sound of Music." I am a Soprano, but have experience singing Alto and Soprano in Concert Choir. I was lead soprano in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and sang several solos in concerts. In college I performed in "The Sound of Music" for a second time, and in "My Fair Lady." Opera workshop allowed me to study music from the most world-famous operas. During the 2007-08 school year, I directed "Gloria Deo," the youth choir at La Jolla Presbyterian Church. And I recently took an interim choir director position for the 2008 summer at Nestor United Methodist Church, where I am responsible to direct the choir and special music for services, and produce a pops presentation/fundraiser at the end of the summer. swimming I was very fortunate to begin swimming on a recreational team at the age of 4, and I continued until age 15. Freestyle and breaststroke are my strong strokes, but am definitely proficient in all 4 strokes. In 2002 and 2003 I lifeguarded for the City of Orangevale (in the Sacramento area) and at a private swim and tennis club. I instructed swim lessons at both pools, including infant, toddler, beginner, intermediate and adult lessons.