Alison Ervin Talks Musical Influences, Favorite Instruments, and More!

Alison Ervin is a top Lessonface teacher known for her fun personality and ability to play a variety of instruments.  Aside from being the 2020 Lessonface Teacher of the Year for Xylophone/Glockenspiel, she has taught over 13,000 lessons in various instruments to over 250 students in private lessons and small groups in person and online to students aged 3 through adults. Alison is is the co-owner and founder of Strand Studios in NJ.

A One-Woman Band Extraordinaire 

Alison could be considered a one-woman band; by the time she graduated high school, she was playing over 10 instruments. She started in elementary with recorder, saxophone, and voice, and then picked up piano and violin along the way.  Alison holds a Piano Pedagogy Certificate from Valley City State University, a certificate in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music Online, and a certificate in Theatre & Performing Arts from WCTS. 

We had the opportunity to chat with Alison Ervin and talk music, inspiration, and being a player of multiple instruments. 

1. What was the first instrument you played? 

I started playing the recorder in the 3rd grade and then I started playing the saxophone in the school band in the 4th grade. After that, I started taking piano lessons and everything else came one-by-one after that. By the time I graduated high school, I was playing about a dozen instruments at various levels.

2. Who are some of your musical influences? 

This might sound cliche, but my biggest musical influence is my husband. I love having a built-in duet partner and someone to help motivate me with practicing.

3. Advice for someone who is interested in playing multiple instruments?

Once you learn one instrument, it’s easier to learn more! Of course, every instrument has its specific techniques, but reading the music and understanding the theory is the same for all. The piano is a great first instrument to start, providing a visual theory reference and allowing students to learn treble and bass clef note reading. 

4. How do you practice multiple instruments at a time?

I keep a schedule and different days are focused on different instruments and styles that I try to stick to. Depending on performances, I may focus on some instruments more than others, at times.

5. What is your favorite genre of music? Why?

I appreciate and play all musical styles, but my favorite genre is county! I grew up listening to country music. I love how relatable and real the music is. 

6. What is your favorite medium? Live, audio or video? Why?

I don’t have a favorite, really. I use all 3 mediums on a daily basis and believe all 3 are great and important learning tools for students. 

Check Out Reviews from Alison Ervin's Students: 

"From an adult beginner, this was my first lesson with Alison. She was very professional, on-time, pleasant and prepared. I really enjoyed the lesson, and I look forward to our future lessons. Thank you, Alison!!!" - Mark, Verified Student

"We love Alison. If I could leave her more stars, I would. She's been great with our son, keeps things on point during the lesson, and provides excellent notes after each lesson that are short and concise. We've chosen to continue booking weekly lessons with her, and I would recommend her to anyone. She's kind, personable, incredibly gifted and can play any instrument she puts her hands on. I highly recommend her!" - Isaac, Verified Student

Alison teaches 1:1 lessons in Piano, Keyboard, Clarinet, Violin, Ukulele, Cello, Glockenspiel, Baritone, Ukulele, Drums, Recorder, Flute, Viola, Upright Bass, Guitar, Xylophone, Saxophone, Percussion, Voice, Music Theory, Saxophone, Fiddle, Musical Theatre, and more!

ABOUT ALISON ERVIN

Alison Ervin enjoys teaching students of all ages, levels, and styles. She strives to provide the best possible music education for every student. This is accomplished by providing interesting work for the student such as learning pieces, technique, theory, sight-reading, ear training, and more.

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