Ezraentertainmenteducation

From our director, Dr. Marcin Bela

I was a 20-year-old student at the Krakow Academy of Music, when I was invited to study in the US, first at New England Conservatory, then University of Michigan. It was a bold, drastic move to leave the safety of home and the predictibe career path, but I knew something would open up in me in the vastness of the American land, and the diversity of its culture.

What followed was a wild whirlwind of a career that took me around prestigious classical stages like Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood or Detroit Orchestra Hall, to the iconic Nashville songwriter mecca Bluebird Cafe, to the Fractal Nation Stage at Burning Man. I worked with members of Boston Symphony Orchestra, Sphinx Virtuosi, Dream Theatre, Beats Antique, Estas Tonne, and many others.

After serving on the faculty of several US universities, I realized that the new world needs a different model of music education - one that is completely open not only to every genre and style of music, but also to every role music may play in the student's life. That there is a continuous spectrum from a small hobby to full-time professionalism, and every shade of that spectrum deserves utmost seriousness and respect.

We learn best from people who are different than us. In our recitals, children get to watch adults take humble first steps into something new. A young girl gets to watch a HS senior who was just accepted to the University of Michigan School of Music and already sounds like a star. Everybody gets to see that a powerful CEO can find the time to play the piano really well.

Why Ezra? Our three E's:

EXPERTISE

What if your 5-year old child is a musical genius? It's always possible. Our teachers, some of whom carry PhD's from Yale and University of Michigan, will know what to do, and how to avoid millions of possible mistakes in this complex process. No, most of our students aren't aiming for professional music careers. But if such a path emerges, we will know what to look for and how to guide top talent.

ENJOYMENT

Joy is the centerpiece of art and its benefits. In the world littered with toxic sources of enjoyment - news, screens and processed foods - we need healthy ways to engage our dopamine and endorphin networks. Music lessons should be something we look forward to, not a grueling price we think we have to pay for the gift of playing.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Many people shy away from taking up a music routine, because they worry they wouldn't be good at it and sound "bad". But the truth is, everyone, on any level, can sound good if they play well-composed arrangements at the right level, at the right speed. Under quality guidance, creating beautiful sounds is possible for anyone, right away.

Instructors of Ezra Entertainment Education

Taylor Van Ryckeghem

Taylor Van Ryckeghem graduated from the Blair Precollege Academy at Vanderbilt University as a recipient of both the Myra Jackson Blair scholarship and a certificate of Distinction with honors. While completing her B.M., Taylor was selected as an Outstanding Senior Student, inducted into the Phi Kappa Lamda National Music Honors society. She is the winner of the 2025 Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Piano Competition and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree.

Rae Hering

Since graduating from Belmont University with studies in piano and composition Rae has released three musical projects, her most recent release, “Closer to Me,” is her first Christian-themed song. Rae can be heard on session work for various artists in Nashville and is an experienced private music teacher.

The driving forces behind her music is the creative adventure and make a meaningful connection with audiences. Anyone who experiences her unique artistry is left with a lasting impression.