Hi there! My name is Pansy Lee Erskine and I’m a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from San Diego, CA. I studied Songwriting at Berklee College of Music and have been teaching all ages since 2014. I love working with all types of learners. Whether you’re first starting out or trying to refine some of your skills and knowledge, I’d love to work with you on your goals! 

I have facilitated songwriter showcases and small festivals in San Diego and Philadelphia the past ten years, and currently put on a show called “Pindrop”. We typically have shows at the Philly Typewriter or in cozy living rooms around town. 

I am releasing music soon under my chosen name Pansy Lee. These special songs will be available on all streaming platforms, but in the meantime you can find some of my older releases under my given name Kevin Erskine. I hope you enjoy my music! I can’t wait to help you on your music journey. 

When did you begin playing music, and why?

I started playing trumpet when I was 10 and guitar when I was 14 years old! I was listening to bands like Paramore and thought the guitar was such a cool instrument in those songs. I especially loved it because I could sing and play and write my own music. I ended up going to school for Songwriting and work as a composer and writer today. 

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I also play piano which I use frequently to produce music in Ableton. I’ve always been so curious about sound. I’ve dabbled with all of the instruments in the concert band and really love to learn any kind of instrument I can get my hands on. Once you get to a certain level of exploring a few types of instruments, it’s easier to see how similar they all are and how they can translate from one to another.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

I’m currently working on my first EP which will be released in June. I’ve released a handful of singles so far and I’m hoping to just get out of my own way and create more! Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and we need creators to be active and share their passion and work with the world. I’m constantly battling the idea of perfectionism and lately my work is to make music that reflects my authentic self.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

I think anytime a concept has really clicked for me it’s been in my own practice and play time. I’m lucky to have had some really amazing teachers to help me in my music education but, I think those ‘aha’ moments usually happen in that state of exploration. It’s great to give students information, some “colors” to play with, and encourage them to make something original with it instead of just copying a song that exists. This really helps with the ‘why am I doing this’ aspect and I think it’s just more fun to ‘play’!

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Music does so much for me and I’m proud that I’m able to use it to heal myself. My practice of writing songs and expressing myself in that way has truly helped me get through some really hard moments in life. I’m really proud that I get to share those songs with other people who can relate and feel something as well. My biggest achievement is just that I’ve never stopped playing.

Favorite thing about teaching?

I love to see that spark of confidence blooming in a student. Excelling at music can seem unattainable, but it is really something that anyone can do. I think learning to make music is such a great thing for anyone who is just seeking to gain confidence in themselves.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

Enjoy the process. Make it a practice and try to avoid being perfect at it. I’d encourage anyone who is starting out to start playing with other people sooner than later! It can be scary, but I think it’s special to connect and share it with other people.

Personal music projects:

Currently I have music released on all platforms under the name “Kevin Erskine”. My future music will be released under the name Pansy Lee.