Erica Calvert

Erica is a gifted educator and performer with a goal of empowering students with the musical knowledge they need to express their point of view and encouraging them to use their skills to make a positive impact on the world. Erica was born and raised in Folsom, CA, made famous by Johnny Cash and his Folsom Prison Blues. Erica started playing piano when she was 7 and studied with Alice McKinley through high school. She competed in numerous recital, festivals, 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 moved to San Diego in 2002 to attend Point Loma Nazarene University on an academic and music scholarship, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (2006). 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 Masters 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 from her time at LJVMS. From 2022-2023, Erica served as the Music Teacher at Trinity Christian School, where she taught K-8th grade 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. Erica is married to Dan Calvert. They met in their first year of college and married in 2007. Dan is a man of many trades. Currently he is a 911 dispatcher for the San Diego Police Department and a property manager in his small business, Calvert’s Quarters. Erica and Dan have two sons: Levi and Desmond, plus two dogs, Rambo and Dori. Erica enjoys reading, art & crafting, traveling, playing volleyball, and playing in the sun.