Erica Hastie - Violinist & Music Teacher in Queenstown
My aim is to share music in a way that feels warm and welcoming, creating moments that lift the spirit and bring people together.
I'm Erica - Performer & Teacher
As a qualified teacher, accomplished violinist, and passionate music educator, I believe music should be a source of joy, confidence, and connection.
Whether I'm leading a musical preschool class, guiding a young violinist through their first scale, or performing at a lakeside wedding the mission is the same - to make music that feels alive and shared.
My Story
I was classically trained as a child, but I truly found my passion in traditional Scottish fiddle music. There’s something about the spirit of Celtic tunes - the storytelling, humour and sense of belonging - that makes me feel at home. I love that music connects people, and that it has a place for everyone, no matter their background or experience.
These days, I teach one-on-one violin lessons focused on folk and contemporary styles. My teaching blends learning by ear and reading music - I believe both are valuable skills for becoming a confident, well-rounded musician. I also run a twice-weekly preschool class called Magical Music with Erica — one of the most joyful parts of my week. Seeing wee ones light up through rhythm, song and movement reminds me why I started making music in the first place.
Alongside teaching, I perform regularly for weddings, special events and pub gigs, and love collaborating with other artists on stage and in the studio. Whether I’m playing for a lively crowd or a quiet classroom, my goal is always the same: to keep the joy of music alive, nurture wellbeing, and help others experience the connection that music brings.
Music Qualifications & Experience
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) With Teaching Qualification, University of Glasgow, 2013.
Primary Classroom Music Level 1, Australian Kodály Certificate in Music Education, 2023.
Provisional Member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers New Zealand (IRMTNZ) in early childhood music, group music making, violin, Scottish fiddle and theory, membership number 7508, 2025.
Full Practising Certificate via Teaching Council New Zealand, membership number 375386.
Music & Violin Lessons with Passion
I offer lessons that grow confidence and creativity in children of all ages. From the fun-filled Magical Music preschool classes to private violin and theory tuition for older learners. Drawing from Kodály principles and a decade of teaching experience, my approach nurtures musicality and wellbeing in equal measure.
A violinist for your moment
From weddings and elopements to ceilidhs, proposals, and special occasions, I offer professional violin performance with heart and soul. With roots in traditional Scottish fiddle and years of classical training, my playing style blends elegance and warmth. Based in Queenstown and available across Otago and beyond.
The joy is mutual:
"My child loves her lessons with Erica. She shares her enthusiasm and expertise in a fun way. My daughter has made amazing progress and looks forward to her weekly sessions. Highly recommend learning music with Erica."
"Erica is a walking angel. She is incredibly warm, welcoming, knowledgeable and fun. What a wonderful introduction my wee boy had to music with her. Thanks to Erica's encouraging approach he has found a love from drums and has weekly lessons he loves. Thank you Erica."
"Working with Erica was a true joy. Her warmth - both as a person and a musician has a way of filling every space she enters. I was fortunate to have her join me on my recent NZ tour, where her playing brought a rich depth and beauty to the performance."
Erica Hastie - Music Teacher & Musician
“Inspiring a life-long love of music in a warm and nurturing environment."
