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Welcome
Ignite Your Child's Musical Passion!
Join our expert-led music classes for all ages today!
About The Aria School of Music
Our History
The Aria School of Music has been providing quality music education to the Triangle community for over 25 years. Founded by Ericka L. Winstead, our school has grown to become a leading institution for music education in the area.
Our Founder
Ericka is a dynamic professional singer, songwriter, pianist, and music educator whose career is rooted in more than two decades of experience in opera, vocal performance, and music education. A classically trained vocalist with the ability to sing fluently in seven languages, Ericka brings exceptional versatility, technical mastery, and emotional depth to her work.
Holding a degree in Vocal Performance from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, Ericka has cultivated a deep understanding of the voice and the artistry of performance. Her dedication to her craft led her to audition for America’s Got Talent, where her remarkable talent was showcased before a panel of judges in Charlotte, North Carolina.
As an educator, Ericka has been teaching music privately since 1999, with extensive experience in both piano and voice instruction. Over the years, she has taught students of a wide range of ages and abilities, helping them develop not only their musical skills, but also confidence, self-expression, and a genuine connection to their artistry. Her piano teaching encompasses foundational musicianship, technique, music reading, repertoire, performance preparation, and helping students discover their individual musical voice.
Her approach to teaching is deeply personal and encouraging, combining her extensive experience as a performer with individualized instruction designed to meet each student where they are. She is particularly passionate about helping students overcome stage fright, develop confidence, and feel at home in performance.
Today, Ericka continues to explore the transformative power of music through teaching, performing, songwriting, and wellness-centered musical experiences. Her work reflects a belief that music is more than a skill to be mastered. It is a powerful pathway for creativity, confidence, healing, and self-expression.
Our Philosophy
At the The Aria School of Music, we can assure you that your child will learn to read music, gain an appreciation for music and build self-confidence through our lessons, workshops and annual recitals.
As a performer herself, Ericka knows and understands what it is like to learn the art of piano and singing. It is a process and she teaches her students the value of patience. She brings these awarenesses to her lessons, along with her 25+ years of teaching experience.
testimonials
Let me start by saying we LOVE ERICKA. She has been such a positive influence through music as well as an incredible role model for our daughter, Lily. Previously a little shy, Ericka has helped Lily build her confidence and shine through enough to be able to excel on stage in all different forms. She has helped Lily build her confidence enough so that she can be able to act, sing solos and play beautiful piano....Ericka has helped Lily find her "inner beauty". She arrives each week with a smile on her face and brings joy to our household. She has an incredible skill for teaching as well as a BEAUTIFUL voice herself. Highly recommend.
~Julie Draper
An amazing gift being shared with the most precious jewels of life; our children. Ms Lee's truest love for music pours into every session, every moment and every triumph in learning for her students. Her recitals are poised with encouragement and enrichment as the children are prepared to do their best, be their best and get love and support on the journey. It is evident that it is more than a service it is a gift living on purpose!
~Latanya DuBerry
Ericka has such a unique ability to help her students find joy in music and within themselves. My daughter absolutely looks forward to her lesson each week because their time together is filled with the perfect balance of encouragement and technical focus. Ericka's true gift is being able to help each student believe in themselves to achieve great and beautiful things, and our entire family has benefitted from her caring and joyful presence.
~Emily Roberson
My daughters have been students of Miss Ericka for the past several years. Between the two of them, they have had both piano and voice lessons. They have consistently enjoyed the music instruction and have made a special connection with Miss Ericka. She not only cares about them as budding musicians, she cares about their development as people. She makes a considerable effort to connect with them as individuals. We love her nurturing spirit.
~Sally Burlington
I cannot say enough great things about Miss Ericka. She is not only a positive and encouraging teacher, she is a wonderful person. My son takes voice from her and she pushes him to work hard and push his boundaries and reach outside his comfort zone. Her knowledge and passion for music is evident in all she does.
~Jennifer Gartner