Erin Rich

I started playing viola at age 9 in Arlington, Tx and worked my way through the elementary, middle and high school orchestra programs. I remember being inspired by how much my music teachers seemed to love their jobs. Orchestra was a place I felt supported, motivated, and safe to express myself. I kind of just always knew that I wanted music to be a part of my life forever.

In 2010, I was accepted with scholarship to the University of North Texas College of Music. There, I went on to perform in the concert orchestra, the opera orchestra (as principal), and in various jazz and classical ensembles. I also worked to develop my initial skills as an educator. I taught in the UNT Summer Strings program and at the Denton Music Academy. I opened my first private practice and maintained a waitlisted studio of 30 students while in college full time. I graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in General, Choral, and Instrumental Music with Texas Teacher Certification.

I began my teaching career in Lewisville, Texas. As I directed middle and high school orchestra programs, I fell in love with creating a positive classroom culture and bonding with my students through music. We worked hard to put on concerts, fundraise, and win awards at festivals and UIL contest each year. I continued to perform as a professional musician with Serenata Strings and other ensembles.

Sensing a need for change and a more outdoor lifestyle, I decided to move to Colorado in 2018. I became the K-5 General Music Teacher for The Bergens in Evergreen, CO in 2019. I also began teaching a few private lessons in my spare time, driving to the homes of students in my beloved blue Subaru named “Juniper”. As my studio began to grow, I made the decision to organize as Juniper Acoustics LLC in 2021 with a namesake to honor the little blue car that helped make it possible. I opened my physical studio in the Rocky Mountain Music Exchange in the summer of 2022. I took my private practice full time in the summer of 2023, and have since teamed up with the Alpine Music Exchange.

In the summer of 2024, we changed our name to the Alpine Music School. “Alpine Music” as a combined entity is owned by me and my business / life partner Tyler Hutchins.

My free time is filled with rock climbing, yoga, skiing, hiking and lots of other “outdoorsy CO activities”. I like traveling in the summertime and on breaks to places like Glacier National Park, California, Utah, and many others. I live in Evergreen, CO and have two cats named Gary and Theo. At the end of a long day, I enjoy playing my ukulele, reading a good book, and a warm cup of herbal tea.

My Teaching Philosophy.

I Believe…

That everyone has the ability to learn music.

In celebrating mistakes.

That learning music should be FUN.

Testimonials

  • Alison M.

    “

    My children have had Erin as their school music teacher for several years and when I heard she was also teaching lessons, I jumped at the chance to have her teach them! My daughter started playing viola with zero experience and is LOVING it. Erin is so patient and encouraging with her and makes it fun! We just love her!

    ”

  • Cinda V.

    “

    If you ever have even a small inkling to take violin, viola, voice, or piano lessons, Erin is the instructor to pick! Not only is she fun, she’s not the least bit intimidating! I’m 75 years old and my violin lessons are a wonderful experience for me to activate my brain and fingers.

    “

  • Beth C.

    “

    Erin is great with both of my boys: one on viola and one on bass. She makes learning music fun—they’re motivated to keep up the practice! A strong connection with their teacher is important at any age.

    “

  • Brett F.

    “

    Erin is an extremely talented musician who is inspirational, kind, patient, and an amazing instructor for adults and kiddos! Both my son and I take piano lessons from Erin. Her passion for music is contagious and our sessions together are often the highlight of our week. I highly recommend Erin!

    “

  • Heather F.

    “

    We couldn't say enough positive things about Ms. Rich. She has played a pivotal role in not only growing Diem's love of music, but has helped make her a more well rounded individual. Since Diem started playing piano with Ms. Rich, her confidence has grown significantly and she lights up in a way we have not seen before. Ms. Rich is very nurturing and patient with her students, while also pushing them to be their very best. We are truly grateful Ms. Rich has crossed our path and had such a positive influence in our daughter's life.

    “

  • Kate M.

    “

    My daughter loves taking ukulele lessons at Juniper Acoustics! Erin makes the lessons fun and interesting, with music choices that inspire my child to want to practice and learn. The recitals are terrific performance opportunities that have built up my daughter's confidence as a musician. My child loves learning both solo and collaborative pieces with Erin. Erin is great at explaining music concepts in a way that's accessible to kids.

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  • Cassie K.

    “

    Our son has been taking viola lessons from Erin Rich for over three years. After completing introductory orchestra in elementary school, he wanted to continue to grow his skills on the viola outside of a formal orchestra environment. Erin has consistently engaged him with a variety of music styles and genres which have kept him interested and challenged. Since starting lessons with her, our son has not only improved his skill set on the viola but he has also gained the confidence to perform solo numbers. We are excited to watch him continue to grow under the guidance of Erin who is an incredibly skilled musician.

    “