Erin Summers

I began piano lessons at the age of 9 and I loved it right away!  I had a small keyboard in my room and I remember practicing my exercises and songs every night.  For Christmas my uncle gave me a Big Note Piano book of popular music and I learned to play the theme song to Doogie Howser, M.D. but the highlight of my first year was my parents purchasing me an upright piano.  That piano now has a place of honour in my living room! 

I began doing the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations and participating in the Annapolis Valley Music Festival and the Kiwanis Music Festival.  My love of music continued as I joined the school band to play the clarinet.  I played in both the school and city bands which allowed me to travel to music festivals in Boston and Montreal.  Each summer I went to band camp and church music camp and enjoyed playing the keyboard at weekly church services.

As high school came to an end I knew that music was what I wanted to dedicate my life to and I headed off to Acadia University to complete my Bachelor of Music.  As well as meeting some of my closest lifelong friends I also had the privilege of working with many talented professors and piano instructors such as Peter Allen and Ron Tomarelli.  I had planned to complete a Bachelor of Education but found that working one on one rather than a large group of students was what I enjoyed the most so I returned to Dartmouth to teach one on one private lessons at a local studio. 

 

In my years since graduating I have taught private piano lessons to students of all ages.  I have experience with other instruments such as singing, guitar and ukulele.  I accompany singers for events such as weddings, funerals, concerts and music festivals; and I perform as a church choir accompanist at many churches in HRM.  I have also had the pleasure of working with young children and their parents in a group setting to introduce them to music concepts and development.  I love singing while playing the piano and guitar.  The highlight of my week is sing-a-longs with residents at a local group home for adults with adaptive learning styles. 

 

When I am not teaching you will find me hanging out with my family and friends or doing something crafty like knitting, crocheting or creating with my Cricut. 

I love watching the evolution of each student as each journey is so different and unique just as they are! 

Piano lessons with Erin:  I teach private piano to children, teens and adults.  From beginner to Royal Conservatory/Christopher Norton Level 10. 

Beginner students  

 - Learn notes, basic terms, proper hand positioning, ear training and theory through both practical playing, writing and fun off the bench music games 

Intermediate students  
 - Expand their knowledge of terms, ear training, theory and different music genres through both practical playing, writing and fun off the bench music games 
  - Have the opportunity to participate in the Royal Conservatory Examinations  
  - Have the opportunity to participate in the Kiwanis Music Festival

Advanced students

-  Receive coaching and guidance on the pieces that they are learning such as help with musicality, expression, pedaling and other musical nuances

 - Have the opportunity to participate in the Royal Conservatory Examinations 

 - Have the opportunity to participate in the Kiwanis Music Festival

- University/College admissions preparations

Singing lessons with Erin: 

I teach private and partner singing lessons to young children (under age 9).  

I specialize in:

• Teaching young children the music fundamentals needed to start their singing journey through songs, games, theory and play. 
• I offer a safe and accepting space for students to grow in music, performance, self love and confidence!

Lessons may include: 

• Healthy vocal and breathing techniques, singing and physical warm-up exercises, music theory study, ear training and sight singing activities, character development, performance preparation, and music games!

 I look forward to working with you! 

Erin and Ruby