Teacher Profile: Erika Kelly

About Erika Kelly

From a young age, music has been at the heart of Erika’s life. She began playing violin at age 9 through her school’s orchestra program in suburban Chicago and quickly fell in love with the instrument. She deepened her skills through private lessons with Kristina Dutton and Carl Johnston, while also performing in school ensembles and competitions.

In high school, Erika took on a leadership role as Symphony Orchestra president, helping shape the program and supporting younger musicians. Her passion for exploring music led her to pick up the cello, sing in choirs, and perform in pit orchestras, quartets, and a traveling chamber group. One of her most memorable experiences was touring England with her orchestra—an experience that showed her just how powerful and unifying music can be.

As a teacher, Erika has been working with young musicians ages 9–14 for years, both through private lessons and large group settings like summer orchestral camps. Her teaching style emphasizes more than just technique and music theory. She helps students build confidence, listen deeply, and connect with their instrument in a meaningful, joyful way. Whether in a one-on-one lesson or leading a group of 50+, Erika brings energy, creativity, and a sense of fun to every session.

Erika continued her musical journey at the University of Chicago, where she played violin in the Symphony Orchestra and took composition courses. Outside of music, she also loved working with kids—as a youth program intern for the Chicago Public Library and as a docent at the Smart Museum, leading interactive tours for school groups. When she’s not teaching or performing, Erika enjoys being outdoors, crafting, cooking, and gathering with friends to share music. She especially loves attending bluegrass and jam sessions, where the joy of music brings people together—just like she hopes to do in her own teaching.