Lessonface 2021 Teacher of the Year Erika Andres Talks About Her Musical Journey

Every year, we honor our teachers with our Teacher of the Year celebration, which highlights the top teacher for every category on Lessonface. There is one overall teacher of the year, which is calculated with a combination of lessons booked, responsiveness, communication, and involvement with the Lessonface learning community. 

This year, we're proud to announce that Erika Andres is the Overall 2021 Teacher of the Year, as well as the Teacher of the Year for the Flute and Piccolo categories. In 2021, Erika booked 2138 lessons and received 126 5-star reviews - she definitely deserves the accolades! 

Interview with 2021 Teacher of the Year Erika Andres

We had the opportunity to chat with Erika to ask her about her journey towards being a musician and an excellent teacher. 

Congratulations on being Lessonface’s Teacher of the Year! How are you feeling?  

Elated and incredibly moved! While I know I work really hard for Lessonface and my students, there are just so many amazing teachers on Lessonface that I feel truly honored that I was selected for 2021’s Teacher of the Year.  

How many years have you been teaching on Lessonface and how did you get started?  

I have been teaching on Lessonface for a little over three years, starting a few months before I  graduated from grad school. I knew I was going to be moving sometime soon and having a lot of changes in my life, so I thought I would dip my toe into teaching virtually to see how I liked it. I did my research and chose Lessonface as the platform on which to teach since I really liked the layout and setup of the site and because the Lessonface staff was just incredibly knowledgeable and efficient as well as courteous. Once I started teaching I realized just how much I loved teaching virtually! I got to meet interesting students of all ages and levels and to connect with people all over the world. I was incredibly happy with my decision and have not looked back since.  

What was the very first instrument you picked up? Why did you choose that one?  

Flute! Which is still my primary instrument today. I chose to play the flute in elementary school for beginning band but remember looking forward to it months beforehand. I still recollect listening to recordings of the flute and being impatient to get the chance to play it. I am not sure what attracted me to choose it to begin with as I did not know anyone who played it, and I am not even sure I ever even heard one in person before that point. But somehow I knew it was the instrument for me and have stuck with it ever since! While I think all instruments are very unique and beautiful, and while I  occasionally like to play other ones too, the flute will always have a special place in my heart.  

Did you have any important teachers in your life who made an impact on you?  

Yes, every single one, from my first band director to my private instructors with whom I studied for years to my music professors in college. While some have had a greater impact on me than others, and some more positive than others, every teacher affects all the lives of his or her students. I can still remember my first day of band as well as lessons I learned from teachers in grad school. Without their cumulative influence, I would not be the musician and person that I am today. I think that also applies to teachers outside of music too, as music does not exist in an isolated bubble but it and musicians are affected by the rest of the world too. But as I said, they did not all affect me equally. While I have been very fortunate to have had many incredibly supportive teachers and positive experiences in my life, they were not all that way, and although I know no one is perfect, unfortunately, those kinds of memories had a great impact on my life too. But I think the biggest effect they had on me was to keep me constantly self-evaluating as a teacher and working hard to ensure that my students have the most positive experience possible that I can give them.  

Which musicians inspire you the most?  

Like most musicians, I have had my celebrity musician idols that motivated me to practice, especially when I was younger, but I find now that the musicians that inspire me the most are the ones with which I work in real life. They may not be famous but they are incredibly inspiring and important in my life. 

And foremost among those are my students, who are of course still musicians even though they are still learning. But really though, who isn’t? I have truly learned so much from my students through their unique problems, questions, and viewpoints. Definitely proving the saying, “the best way to learn  something is to teach it.”  

What is your favorite way to perform? Live in front of an audience, recording audio, or making a video? Why?  

I just like to perform, it does not really matter too much to me what the format is, and besides, I think they all have their own merits. Playing live is wonderful as you get to actually see and interact with the audience and can feed off their energy or conversely instill some of yours in them, and you can directly see the impact your music is making on them. Recording audio is a great way to really challenge myself to play the absolute best that I can, but which is also why I do find it frequently to be the most stressful way to perform but still essential. And making videos are a great opportunity to be creative and create unique pieces of art. I have actually been making a lot of flute choir performance videos recently, and I  greatly enjoy being able to add a visual component to the performance.  

Any advice for students getting started on their musical journeys in 2021?  

Just go for it! Adding music of any instrument or genre to your life has so many benefits and rewards,  whether you are starting it as a hobby or hope to someday make it your profession. It is never too late or too soon to start. I frequently find that the hardest part of any activity is just getting the willpower to change thought into action and beginning the undertaking, so just dive in! You will be very glad that you did! 

Check Out Reviews from Erika Andres' Students: 

"My son started flute lesson with Erika a year ago when he was struggling with beginning band in middle school. I was skeptical about how well remote music lessons would work... but we have been very happy with the results! Ms. Erika is patient and has been able to give clear instructions. He excelled the rest of the year in beginning band, has moved to intermediate band, and continues to enjoy playing the flute. I highly recommend Erika as a flute teacher." - Catherine, Verified Student

"Erika is a Godsend. I am a fellow teacher that wanted to learn a wind instrument and get started on the flute the right way. She was patient, kind, informative and helpful. Whether adult or young student looking to learn from a wonderful teacher, Erika is THE ONE! Thanks Erika!" - Alex, Verified Student

Erika teaches 1:1 lessons in Flute and Piccolo!

ABOUT ERIKA ANDRES

Erika Andres has a passion for playing and teaching the flute and piccolo. She received her Master's degree in flute performance at Florida State University and holds a Bachelor's degree in flute performance and music composition. She has played both flute and piccolo in many orchestras and bands, given many recitals, played as the soloist on the performance of her own band transcription of a concerto, participated in masterclasses of many prestigious flutists, and played at flute conventions including the National Flute Association convention and the Florida Flute Association convention.

>> Book a lesson with Erika Andres