Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Doyle.
Elizabeth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
South Dakota is where I grew up and I knew I wanted to be a musician at age six. When I was ten, I started playing the organ for funerals and formed a ukelele/vocal group called the EvMcDoyle Trio. (You can’t make this stuff up.) I have earned money through music ever since.
A 14-month study year abroad in France solidified my wish to make music my main emphasis, with languages a close second. My professional music career really began in Chicago however. My first job was playing the piano and singing at a very elegant Chinese restaurant where I met Tony Bennett, Phyllis Diller and Neil Sedaka, among others.
With Chicago as my base, I have been writing, coaching and performing music ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A music career has no road map, nor does it have the health insurance and pensions that most 9-to-5 workers automatically get through their companies.
Being self-employed means that you have to save enough to cover expenses when work fluctuates, too.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elizabeth Doyle Music – what should we know?
In terms of live music, I customize programs for the needs of my clients. One organization may want a German cabaret theme for their event, while another group may ask for songs from the 1920s for a speakeasy setting or romantic French songs. One particular client hired me to play only Gershwin and Cole Porter tunes for his annual Valentine’s tea which I did for over ten years.
I present solo and duo shows combining music and history with titles such as “Songs and Stories of Prohibition,” “Music and the Presidents,” “Christmas at the White House”, and “Pets at the White House.”
As a composer, I have been commissioned to write choral works, comedy numbers, church service music, art songs and chamber works. I was even asked to write a theme song for a pet store.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All of my teachers were instrumental (no pun intended) in helping me form my musical vision.
I had one life-changing lesson with famed Paris teacher Nadia Boulanger which set me on a course of being a general musician rather than concentrating on being a classical concert pianist.
Dr. Walter May was a marvelous composition teacher at my South Dakota alma mater, Augustana College. John Sparks, a mentor to many Los Angeles and Chicago musical theater writers was key in my “music and lyrics” education. Dr. Ilya Levinson exposed me to scoring for films and orchestration.
Maria Lagios and David Edelfelt, both Chicago vocal teachers continue to be good advisors to me.
I am lucky to have had many advocates for both my performing and my original work. Reed Badgley recommended me to NPR’s Piano Jazz hosted by the wonderful Marian McPartland which resulted in being on the program as a featured guest. A dinner at one of my jobs turned out to be a BBC reporter who featured me singing and playing an original song on his radio program. The kindness of strangers indeed.
Pricing:
- Solo piano at private events is $150 per hour as a base rate
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elizabethdoylemusic.com
- Phone: 773-351-5102
- Email: edoylemusic@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.doyle.543
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/edoylemusic
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-doyle-11b09b8/
Image Credit:
Robert Kameczura (Doyle at the piano)
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