Check Out Earl Schaffer’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Earl Schaffer. 

Earl, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start in Baltimore, MD., which is my hometown. I have played the piano since the age of 3 and I have loved all genres of music since birth. My grandmother sang in the choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church, and I followed suit. I had the opportunity to direct my first choir at 9 years old, and have been in Music Ministry in some capacity since that time. I have also always had a love for radio. I had my own radio show in high school, called “Mervo In The Morning” that I produced and wrote along with a team of 2 other classmates. We held thought-provoking dialogue, good music, the weather, and the bell schedule, all in a 20-minute segment broadcast daily over the intercom airwaves. Fast forward to college, I was active in the local music scene in the DMV as well as a member of The Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band. (Go Terps!). Today, Colorado Springs home to myself, my wife, our 3 daughters, and our cat. I have been on stage for Theaterworks’ production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (held at The Ent Center For The Arts), I have a twice-monthly Podcast, entitled “The Message From The Mountain” and I am the director of The Colorado Springs Community Choir. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the major challenges came early, and that was with reading music. I was originally self-taught. And because I have an ear for music, for the harmony and melody, it was a major challenge when playing music composed by other writers. I love to think that my piano instructor. Dr. Catherine Carver, (Kinsler Academy of Music, Baltimore, MD) had the patience of a saint. To overcome these challenges, she tasked me with writing out every piece of music that I composed as if I were writing it for someone else to play. Additionally, she taught me some techniques along the way, to “turn my ear off” in such a way that I could then focus on the music. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear SO many hats. I am a financial professional by day. I am a Quality Assurance Coach for one of the top automotive finance companies in the country. I enjoy the day-by-day process of ensuring our team members are providing best-in-class service, and are abiding by the company policies and procedures. When that job is done, I put on my entrepreneurial hat. I am the owner of my own Travel Agency. I enjoy helping my clients book everything from weekly car rentals to lavish vacations. The one thing that sets me apart from others is my diligence. Baltimore taught me how to grind, and how to really get after it. So, I have the determination to accomplish anything I set my mind to. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are so many people on my thank you list-I have been preparing my Grammy acceptance speech since I was 14. First, I thank God, for without him, NONE of this is possible. Thank him for preparing my path, ordering my steps, and seeing me to victory. Then I would like to thank my family for always supporting me. The University of Maryland, College Park, for never giving up on me, and exposing me to a world greater than the comforts of home. The Ebenezer Baptist Church, Israel Baptist Church, The Greater Baltimore Simultaneous Revival, The Multi-Generational Conclave of Musicians and Directors, The First Baptist Church of Back River. These places all hold a special place in my heart. Then there is my home, Colorado Springs. I would like to thank Mrs. Shirley Martinez, The Pikes Peak Diversity Council, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc, all of the churches in The Southern Colorado Ministerial Union, and The Colorado Springs Community Choir. Last and most certainly not least, my wife and children. The kids understand when “daddy has to go to service” and sometimes the hours draw nigh. Thank my wife, Victoria, so much for being my sounding board, support system, number one cheerleader, and the best wife a husband could ask for. She always pushes me to be greater, and I couldn’t do this without her. 

Pricing:

• Choir Performance: $650
• Solo Music Performance: $500
• Ensemble Performance (4 Piece Band):$800 $809

Contact Info:

• Email: majestic.musician@gmail.com
• Website: earlschaffermusic.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlschaffermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MajesticMusician/