Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebay Merlin.
Hi Ebay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been involved in music. I’m told (although I have no memory of it) that I showed interest in piano as early as 18 months old, and started playing at age 4. I actually learned to read music before I learned to read English! I wrote my first composition at age 9, titled Drifting through the Window for solo piano. Various circumstances meant that between the ages of 4 and 18 I had 3 different piano teachers, each for no longer than a year or so. While I don’t consider myself to be “self-taught,” much of my study was independent. When I did study with teachers, they didn’t seem to see my potential or challenge me the way I wanted to be challenged, and my growth as a pianist suffered.
In middle school I joined band on the clarinet, and jazz band as the pianist. In high school, I joined the choir as well. Everyone expected me to major in music in college; I ended up as a mathematics major my first semester.
Eventually, though, I ended up in the school of music as a composition major and there I stayed. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Composition and Theory and since graduating, my main form of income has been teaching private piano and voice lessons. I also work as an organist at a local church, and volunteer as a pianist with the local community theatre. I continue my own private study of piano and organ with a teacher, too, practicing around 10-14 hours a week.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t see being a private lesson teacher as my future until it happened – I was interested in it, but dismissed it as impractical due to the admin work involved with self employment taxes and billing. I also still deal with self doubt, given my spotty education when I was younger, and feeling like I’m not qualified to teach (even though I am).
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I teach in-home and online private lessons, I compose music, I edit audio for dance teachers, and I perform. My website is www.emerlinmusic.com. I specialize in teaching teens and adults, although I teach as young as 7 or 8 (in person only). The age of my student currently ranges from kids age 7 to adults in their 60s and older.
I’m incredibly passionate about sharing music with others. I strive to make my students feel comfortable with me, and really work to tailor lessons to my students needs. I think my passion and excitement really shines through to my students, and they can tell that I care deeply about them and their education. I work hard to develop a strong rapport with each and every student, learning how they learn and tailoring lessons to suit them. I strive to give my students the lessons I wish I’d had when I was younger.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My dad is an excellent musician – piano, saxophone, guitar. I loved going with him to gigs, or early to church to hear him lead the worship band. My favorite thing, though, was to listen to him improvise on the piano which I begged him to do often. To this day he’s my greatest musical inspiration and I love to hear him play!
Pricing:
- 30 minute lesson – $20
- 45 minute lesson – $30
- 60 minute lesson – $40
- Other services vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emerlinmusic.com
- Other: www.emryslayne.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Lynzee Harrison Photography
Dev Creative Services (Logos)
