About Eelyn
A Teacher Who Understands the Importance of a Strong Beginning
Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Eelyn Cowden is a classically trained pianist and piano teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She began studying piano at the age of five, an experience that would eventually shape not only her path as a musician, but also the kind of teacher she strives to be.
Today, Eelyn brings together extensive training in piano performance and pedagogy with a thoughtful, individualized approach to teaching. Her goal is to give each student a strong musical foundation while creating an environment where they feel encouraged, capable, and excited to learn.
Her own earliest experience with piano lessons helped shape that philosophy. Although she began piano at age five, her first experience was not especially encouraging. Later, with the guidance of teachers who nurtured both her skills and her love of music, she discovered how much the right teacher can influence a student’s confidence, progress, and enjoyment. That experience continues to inform the way she teaches today.
Training and Experience
Eelyn’s teaching is grounded in advanced training in both piano performance and piano pedagogy, along with more than two decades of experience working with students.
Master of Music in Piano Performance
Piano Pedagogy emphasis
Texas State University-San Marcos
Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Piano Performance
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
More Than 20 Years of Teaching Experience
Private studio, university teaching, and music academy instruction
Teaching Experience
Eelyn teaches from her private studio in the Clear Lake area and has been on the faculty of The International Music Academy since 2019. While completing her graduate studies at Texas State University, she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, teaching Class Piano I and II in addition to maintaining a private studio.
Throughout her teaching career, Eelyn has worked with students of a wide range of ages, levels, and goals. Students in her studio regularly participate in recitals, festivals, examinations, and competitions, while others study simply for the enjoyment of making music.
Student Opportunities & Accomplishments
Students are encouraged to pursue musical experiences that support their individual interests and goals, from recitals and festivals to examinations and competitions.
Performance & Festivals
Students have opportunities to participate in studio recitals, festivals, and other performance experiences that build confidence and musicianship.
Examinations
During her years teaching in Malaysia, Eelyn prepared students for diploma examinations through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and the Australian Guild of Music and Speech (AGMS).
Competitions
Students have received recognition in competitions including the HMTA Baroque Competition, Sonatina and Sonata International Youth Piano Competition, and Rocky Mountain International Competition in Toronto.
Continuing Education
Eelyn values continuing education and regularly attends piano pedagogy conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay current with teaching methods, research, and resources.
In 2011, she presented her research poster, The Piano Education System in Malaysia, at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy in Lombard, Illinois.
A Thoughtful Approach to Every Student
Every student comes to the piano with different strengths, interests, and goals. Eelyn believes effective teaching begins with understanding the individual student and giving them the guidance they need to grow as capable, confident, and independent musicians.