Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Norris
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
EBN Music has been years in the making—what started as a small side hustle has now grown into a thriving music studio where I get to share my passion for piano and voice with students every day.
My love for music began at age 10 when my mom introduced me to the piano. From that moment, I was hooked. With the guidance of amazing teachers, I became proficient enough to land my first gig as a music director and pianist for a community theater production at just 16. I later majored in music education and started my career as a school music teacher.
In 2010, when my husband lost his job, I began offering $10 piano lessons after school to bring in extra income. Over the years, I continued teaching whenever I could, but it wasn’t until 2017—when I joined a local music school—that I truly refined my teaching skills. After three years there, I felt confident enough to launch my own studio in 2020.
With EBN Music, my goal has always been to create a fun, engaging, and personalized learning experience for every student. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor my lessons to fit each student’s learning style and interests. In addition to private lessons, I’ve expanded my reach by writing two piano books and creating an online course on Outschool, making music education more accessible to families everywhere.
Growing my business has been a mix of word-of-mouth referrals, an active online presence, and engaging with my local community. These strategies have helped me connect with more families and even build a waiting list for lessons.
Now, as a business owner, teacher, and mom, I feel incredibly grateful for where I am today. EBN Music allows me to do what I love while also giving me the flexibility to spend time with my daughter. Looking back, every step—every side gig, every challenge—has led me here, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
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?
The road to building EBN Music has been anything but smooth, but I think that’s true for most entrepreneurs. Every stage of my journey has come with its own set of challenges, but each one has shaped me into the teacher and business owner I am today.
One of the biggest struggles early on was balancing my passion for teaching with the financial realities of making it a sustainable career. For years, piano lessons were just a side hustle while I worked full-time as a school music teacher. I loved teaching, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it work as a full-time business. It wasn’t until I gained experience at a local music school that I felt confident enough to take that leap in 2020.
Then, of course, there was the challenge of actually running a business. I knew how to teach, but handling the administrative side—marketing, scheduling, finances—was a whole new world. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a teacher; I was also an accountant, customer service rep, marketer, and business manager. There were moments of frustration and self-doubt, but I was determined to learn and grow.
Another challenge has been overcoming the mindset that I have to do everything on my own. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that success means handling every little detail yourself, but I’ve learned that asking for help, outsourcing when possible, and finding support in my community has been essential for growth.
Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each challenge has pushed me to adapt, learn, and become stronger. And at the end of the day, the reward of seeing my students grow in their love for music makes every obstacle worth it.
We’ve been impressed with EBN Music, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
EBN Music is all about making music education fun, engaging, and accessible for everyone. I specialize in teaching private piano and voice lessons, both in-person at my home studio in Rockwall, TX, and online for students across the country. I also offer resources for beginners, including my books “My First Piano Lessons” and “My First Piano Sheet Music,” as well as an online course on Outschool that allows kids to learn piano at their own pace.
What sets EBN Music apart is my personalized approach to teaching. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method. Every student is unique, and I tailor lessons to fit their learning style, goals, and interests. Whether it’s incorporating a student’s favorite songs, using creative teaching techniques, or making lessons feel more like play than work, my goal is to foster a lifelong love for music. I also strive to make lessons stress-free for parents by offering flexible scheduling and an encouraging, nurturing environment.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built through EBN Music. My students and their families know that this is more than just a music studio—it’s a place where creativity is nurtured, confidence is built, and students feel supported in their musical journey. I love seeing my students grow, not just as musicians but as individuals. Watching them gain confidence, overcome challenges, and experience the joy of making music is what drives me every day.
For anyone considering lessons, I want them to know that music is for everyone. You don’t have to be naturally gifted or have any prior experience to start—just a willingness to learn and have fun! Whether it’s through private lessons, my books, or my online course, I’m here to help make learning music an exciting and rewarding experience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just like to encourage anyone reading—whether you’re a parent considering music lessons for your child, an adult thinking about learning piano for the first time, or even another entrepreneur following a passion—to go for it. Music has the power to enrich lives in so many ways, and it’s never too late (or too early!) to start.
I also want to say thank you to all the students and families who have been part of my journey. Teaching music isn’t just my job—it’s my passion. Seeing students light up when they play a song for the first time, watching their confidence grow, and knowing that I’m helping to create lifelong music lovers is the most rewarding part of what I do.
And if you’ve ever been curious about starting lessons, I’d love to connect! Whether through private lessons, my books, or my online course, there’s a way for everyone to bring music into their lives.
Pricing:
- My First Piano Lessons book – $10
- My First Piano Sheet Music book – $9
- My First Piano Lessons online course – $49
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ebnmusic.com
- Instagram: @ebn.music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.norris.9
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ebnmusic
Image Credits
Haylee Beth Photography
Caleb Norris
