Pansy Erskine
San Diego
Summary
Multi-disciplinary music educator, songwriter, and specialty coffee professional with extensive experience in teaching, performance, café operations, and team leadership. I create welcoming, sensory-conscious environments and bring a grounded, presence-based approach to both student learning and staff support.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Instructor, Recording Artist
Pansy Lee Music
01.2015 - Current
- I design individualized curriculum for students of all ages, adapting instruction to diverse learning styles and developmental needs. As a recording artist and multi-instrumentalist, I frequently track parts for songwriters and local artists while composing personalized commissioned songs with fast turnaround.
Barista & Hiring Manager
The Coffee Method
01.2018 - 01.2022
- I crafted espresso beverages and managed high-volume bar flow while maintaining a warm, low-pressure environment rooted in community connection. I also participated in hiring and onboarding, training new staff, and cultivating long-term customer relationships through presence and consistency.
Bar Trainer & Quality Assurance
Achilles Coffee
01.2019 - 01.2020
- I trained baristas across three locations to ensure consistency in espresso technique, milk texturing, hospitality, and workflow. I also introduced body-conscious bar flow methods to reduce strain and waste while elevating the guest experience through education-based service.
Multi-Instrumental Instructor
Mission Hills Music
01.2015 - 01.2020
- I taught guitar, piano, trumpet, flute, ukulele, and voice to students ages 4–70, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. I also organized seasonal recitals to help students build performance confidence and stage presence.
Music Assistant
Bernardo Heights Middle School
01.2017 - 01.2019
- At this large public middle school, I supported the director in teaching five concert band classes of 50–60 students, offering instructional reinforcement across multiple musical styles. I led low brass sectionals, maintained an extensive music library, graded assignments, and handled communication with staff and guardians while supporting students with special needs.
Small Ensemble Director
Rios Music Project
01.2017 - 01.2018
- I taught private lessons and small ensemble classes for students ages 10–18 at a contemporary music school. I also developed courses in conducting, songwriting, composition, performance, studio engineering, and foundational marketing skills for young performing artists.
Café Manager
Modern Times Beer
01.2017 - 01.2018
- I oversaw café operations—including scheduling, ordering, and recipe development—within the Point Loma Fermentorium. I maintained quality control, developed high-margin beverages, and supported staff through collaborative communication and a grounded leadership style.
Barista
Lofty Coffee
01.2017 - 01.2018
- At this intentionally designed, mindful-service café, I worked with a custom built-in espresso machine that encouraged eye-level interaction with guests. I trained under lead baristas in precision, mindful movement, and presence, helping create a space centered around conversation, community, and intentional hospitality.
Early Childhood Music Educator
Rock & Roll Daycare
01.2014 - 01.2015
- I led eight classes of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, teaching core music concepts designed to support cognitive, motor, and speech development. My curriculum incorporated thematic lessons featuring iconic artists to nurture early musical appreciation.
Instructor & Assistant Instructor
Digital Media Academy
01.2014 - 01.2015
- I taught camp-style courses in Logic Pro and Ableton Live, guiding students ages 12–18 through project-based learning. Each student completed a fully produced piece by the end of the week-long program, developing both technical and creative skills.
Education
B.M. - Songwriting
Berklee College of Music
01.2014
Skills
- Music: Conducting, Arranging, Songwriting, Composition, Multi-Instrumental Instruction, Ensemble Direction, Performance, Improvisation, Recording/Production, Event Organization
- Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Voice (Advanced); Tuba, Baritone (Advanced); Piano, Trumpet (Intermediate); Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone (Proficient)
- Coffee: Espresso Dial-In, Milk Mechanics, Workflow Design, Team Training, Hospitality, Customer Communication
- Software: ProTools, Logic, Ableton, Sibelius, Finale, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, iWork, Illustrator
Accomplishments
- Booked and performed two U.S. national independent tours (2019, 2022)
- Facilitated three local independent music festivals in San Diego with 200+ attendees each
- Ran monthly songwriting showcases in San Diego and West Philadelphia (2017–2023)
- Wrote, produced, arranged, and released four singles with an EP forthcoming
Timeline
Bar Trainer & Quality Assurance
Achilles Coffee
01.2019 - 01.2020
Barista & Hiring Manager
The Coffee Method
01.2018 - 01.2022
Music Assistant
Bernardo Heights Middle School
01.2017 - 01.2019
Small Ensemble Director
Rios Music Project
01.2017 - 01.2018
Café Manager
Modern Times Beer
01.2017 - 01.2018
Barista
Lofty Coffee
01.2017 - 01.2018
Private Instructor, Recording Artist
Pansy Lee Music
01.2015 - Current
Multi-Instrumental Instructor
Mission Hills Music
01.2015 - 01.2020
Early Childhood Music Educator
Rock & Roll Daycare
01.2014 - 01.2015
Instructor & Assistant Instructor
Digital Media Academy
01.2014 - 01.2015
B.M. - Songwriting
Berklee College of Music