About me…

My name is Ebay Merlin (they/them) and I am a composer, pianist, and private music teacher. 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 (beginner level), which can be purchased, along with any other of my compositions, by contacting me under the commissions tab. I release recordings of my music under the pseudonym Emrys Layne, and can be found on all streaming platforms. I primarily write for small ensembles and fixed media, and love to write with jazz and funk themes in mind. My favorite instruments to write for are the bassoon, marimba, flute, and piano.

I earned my Bachelor of Music in Music Composition & Theory from Central Michigan University, and now work with Thompson Tutoring, LLC to provide in-home music lessons to people in the Central Michigan area. Learn more about taking lessons with me by visiting the Lessons tab. I am also the organist and collaborative pianist for the First Presbyterian Church of Alma.

I have dabbled in many instruments and ensembles over the years. Instruments I play (reasonably) well include the piano, organ, clarinet, hammered dulcimer, and trombone. I am also a trained vocalist (bass-baritone). Ensemble participation has included concert band (clarinet, trombone), marching band (synth, clarinet, snare, colorguard, trombone), jazz band (piano), choir (bass II), and a tenor-bass a cappella group (bass, sometimes tenor I). I greatly enjoy participating in musicals put on by local community theatres, as both principle characters and chorus member, and indeed also as music director.

I am an alumni member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.

My favorite music to listen to is funk, indie folk, and jazz. I also enjoy when artists take many genres that seem like they couldn't work together and create new and unique sounds, such as combining metal, opera, traditional accordion, and dubstep, as the artist Igorrr does in their song Cheval.

Outside of music, I greatly enjoy rollerblading, hiking, reading, crocheting, weightlifting, yoga, dancing, basketry (basket weaving), spending time with friends, and dressing like a pirate.