At Music Royale, we are constantly inspired by students who chase their artistic goals with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of rock-n-roll energy. This month’s Student Spotlight features Emily Graham—a senior at Worthington Christian, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer whose journey shows exactly what happens when passion meets perseverance. Watch her full interview video here.
Emily has been a familiar face around Music Royale for years, studying under instructor Deanna Sweeney and sharpening her skills through lessons, open mic nights, recitals, and countless hours of practice. If her story resonates with you, you can explore our full range of music lessons.
From Drums to Guitar: A Musician in Motion
Emily started her musical journey early—really early.
“I’ve played drums since I was five and guitar since I was seven,” she says with a smile. “Piano too… not very well,” she laughs, “but well enough to accompany myself.”
Singing, however, has always been at her core. But after realizing it was difficult to sing her favorite songs while playing drums (“there are no chords on drums!”), guitar became the natural next step. She wanted to accompany herself the way her favorite artists did—and she never looked back.
If you’re curious how students like Emily discover their next instrument, you can learn more About Music Royale.
Overcoming the First Big Hurdle
Emily is honest about the toughest part of learning guitar.
“The biggest challenge was definitely fingering the chords,” she explains. “Your fingers hurt when you’re first learning, and you can’t always apply full pressure. So it sounds like you’re muting even when you’re not.”
Every guitarist knows this stage—and Emily pushed straight through it. Today?
“My fingers are so calloused I don’t even feel it anymore. That’s how much I’ve played.”
Students facing similar challenges can always reach out for guidance. If you’re struggling with technique or want expert help, contact us here.
Influences: A Wide, Colorful Palette
Emily isn’t afraid to blend genres or study a diverse range of artists. Her playlist includes:
- Billie Eilish
- The Cranberries
- Fleetwood Mac
- “A lot of everything,” she adds.
She’s intentional about absorbing different sounds to shape her own artistic voice. You can explore her world and upcoming releases at her official website.
And stream her debut single “Roses” and follow-up single “Unfazed” on Spotify.
How Music Lessons Changed Everything
Before coming to Music Royale, Emily tried learning guitar through YouTube tutorials—but something wasn’t clicking.
“There’s nothing like having a person who is a master at what they’re doing teaching you,” she says. “It completely changed the game for me.”
Her proudest achievements on guitar reflect that dedication:
- Learning intricate fingerpicking pieces, especially Autumn Leaves by Eva Cassidy
- Mastering bar chords after months of determination
Emily’s growth shows what can happen when students work with expert instructors and receive truly personalized guidance.
The Magic Behind the Struggle
Emily’s advice for beginners is wise beyond her years:
“Don’t compare yourself to expert musicians. They should inspire you, not discourage you. You won’t sound like them right away—but you will someday.”
For musicians facing a plateau, she offers her most powerful encouragement yet:
“When you’re struggling and you want to quit, that’s when the magic happens.”
She knows this firsthand. Emily has been a songwriter for years, and pushing through frustration led to some of her biggest breakthroughs—including recording trips to Los Angeles.
Recording in LA: A Dream Turned Reality
For three years, Emily has worked with The Songwriting School in LA, meeting weekly on Zoom with other teen songwriters from across the country. Eventually, her mentor told her:
“We’ve got to get you out here to record.”
Last March, she flew out and recorded four songs in three days. Two of those tracks—“Roses” and “Unfazed”—are now available on Spotify. She returned in August and recorded six more songs in just three days.
“It was go, go, go—but amazing,” she says.
Finding Community at Music Royale
Emily’s favorite part of being a Music Royale student is the people.
“The community here is incredible. The open mics are so encouraging and welcoming. I’ve been to a lot of open mics where it isn’t like that—but here, everyone is excited for you.”
If your instrument ever needs attention before an open mic or gig, our Fretted Instrument repair shop has your back.
And for more inspiring student stories like Emily’s, follow the Music Royale Blog.
What’s Next for Emily?
Emily plans to major in commercial music in college. Her top schools include:
- Berklee College of Music (Boston)
- University of Miami (Florida)
- Belmont University (Nashville)
There’s no doubt she’s on track to thrive—on stage, in the studio, and everywhere music takes her.
Where to Hear More from Emily
Emily is actively releasing new music and growing her catalog.
🖤 Stream her tracks by searching “Emily Graham” on Spotify
🖤 Follow her journey at https://emilygrahamofficial.com/home
She’s the real deal—talented, driven, and full of the spark we love to see in young musicians.And if you’re ready to start your musical journey, or support a student who’s ready to rock, explore everything Music Royale has to offer.
