Meet Emily Norris

We were lucky to catch up with Emily Norris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Growing up in a modest but happy household with my parents and three sisters, I discovered my passion for music on an old, out-of-tune upright piano with broken keys. Despite its flaws, it became my gateway to learning and excelling at the piano. Later, my parents gifted me a small electric keyboard—far from an ideal instrument, but it didn’t stop me from advancing and deepening my love for music. Through those experiences, I realized that passion and perseverance matter far more than perfect tools. Today, as the founder of EBN Music, I’ve built a piano and voice studio that welcomes students of all backgrounds, no matter their resources. My purpose is to nurture a love of music in every student, even if all they have is a spark of curiosity and a desire to learn. Inspired by my own journey and the encouragement I received, I’m committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where the joy of music takes center stage.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I founded EBN Music in 2020 after teaching at a music school for several years and realizing the importance of a personalized approach to music lessons. My goal is to create a fun, creative, and nurturing environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can discover a love for music. Rather than a one-size-fits-all method, I tailor lessons to each student, emphasizing the joy and experience of learning just as much as the technical skills. Accessibility is key—my lessons are designed to be stress-free for parents and flexible for different schedules, locations, and budgets. To further expand access, I’ve written My First Piano Lessons and its companion book, My First Piano Sheet Music, along with an online course on Outschool for ages 5-10 (though older students enjoy it too!). I’m incredibly grateful to have built a brand that reflects my values and helps students develop a lifelong passion for music.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are adaptability, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. First, adaptability allowed me to thrive despite less-than-ideal circumstances—learning on out-of-tune pianos and small keyboards taught me that the tools don’t matter as much as your willingness to make the best of what you have. Second, my passion for music fueled me through every stage, from learning on my own to teaching others. Passion keeps you motivated even when challenges arise. Finally, a commitment to lifelong learning has been essential. Whether it’s developing my teaching approach, writing books, or creating online courses, staying curious and open to growth has made all the difference.

For those just starting out, I’d suggest embracing these qualities in your own way. Stay flexible and resourceful—don’t let imperfect conditions hold you back. Find what truly excites you and let that drive your efforts. And always keep learning, whether it’s through formal education, hands-on experience, or simply observing others. Growth is a continuous process, and it’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I recently welcomed my daughter in May 2024—our rainbow baby—and we’re so grateful for her! The biggest challenge I’m facing now is balancing my career with motherhood. I love teaching and my students, but my love for my daughter is beyond words. Some days, it feels like I’m not excelling in either role, but I’m learning to integrate them in a way that feels balanced. Being a mom has made me a more empathetic teacher, and teaching has helped me be a better mom—they complement each other beautifully. As I grow my studio and nurture my daughter, I’m committed to finding a fulfilling balance that honors both roles.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Haylee Beth Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,