07/27/2026
Music education changed my life. Now, I want to make it accessible to anyone with the desire to learn—regardless of their income, location, age, or previous experience.
My name is Mary Lemanski, and I am building, Merry Knell DIY Music Academy, an online educational resource designed to provide free, self-guided music instruction to aspiring musicians who may not be able to afford private lessons, college tuition, or expensive online programs.
Growing up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood, I was fortunate to have parents who made sacrifices so that I could take piano lessons. Their support gave me opportunities that shaped the course of my life. I know that many talented and passionate people never receive that same opportunity—not because they lack ability, but because music education is often financially out of reach.
Merry Knell DIY Music Academy is my way of helping to change that.
What the Academy Will Offer
The academy’s free core curriculum will include lessons in:
* Music theory
* Ear training
* Sight-singing
* Piano and keyboard skills
* Songwriting and composition
* Arranging
* Music business and industry fundamentals
The curriculum will cover many of the foundational subjects typically taught during the first two years of a college music program while also providing practical information about building a sustainable life and career in music.
Students will be able to learn through video lessons, downloadable materials, exercises, demonstrations, and other educational resources. I also plan to offer regular online Q&A opportunities so that learners can ask questions and receive additional guidance.
The core educational content will remain free. Optional paid services, such as private coaching, group classes, and specialized workshops, may be offered to students who want more individualized instruction. These services will also help support the academy’s long-term sustainability.
Why I Am Creating This Academy
I bring more than 30 years of experience as a musician, educator, songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and music industry professional.
I began performing as a church organist at age 11 and have continued building a diverse career in music ever since. My work has appeared on a #1 Billboard® World Music Album and a GRAMMY-nominated® Contemporary Blues Album.
My educational background includes degrees and training in music, business administration, audio engineering, and e-business. My teaching combines traditional musical foundations with modern technology, independent music business knowledge, and practical creative experience.
Merry Knell DIY Music Academy will bring these areas together in one accessible learning environment.
How Your Donation Will Help
Creating a high-quality online academy requires much more than recording a few videos. Each course must be researched, written, demonstrated, recorded, edited, organized, uploaded, and maintained.
Funds raised through this campaign will help cover:
* Website design, development, hosting, and security
* Learning-platform and software expenses
* Video and audio recording equipment
* Video editing and production
* Downloadable worksheets and course materials
* Captioning and other accessibility features
* Curriculum research and development
* Ongoing website and content maintenance
* Outreach to students and communities
* Future planning and professional expenses associated with pursuing nonprofit status
Every donation will help create another lesson, resource, or piece of the platform.
Even a small contribution can help pay for website hosting, educational software, recording expenses, or the production of a new lesson. Sharing this campaign is also an important way to support the project.
The Long-Term Vision
My long-term goal is to develop Merry Knell DIY Music Academy into a nonprofit educational organization and pursue recognition as a 501(c)(3).
That process will take time, planning, and additional resources. This campaign is an important first step: building the website, developing the curriculum, creating the content, and demonstrating that there is a genuine need for accessible online music education.
Merry Knell DIY Music Academy is not currently a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to this campaign should therefore not be assumed to be tax-deductible.
Help Open the Door to Music Education
Music education builds confidence, discipline, creativity, communication skills, and community. It can give someone a lifelong source of joy—or become the beginning of a meaningful career.
A lack of money should not prevent someone from learning how music works, developing their talent, or discovering their creative voice.
By donating or sharing this campaign, you can help build a free educational resource that gives aspiring musicians the tools to begin.
Thank you for believing in this mission and helping make music education more accessible—one lesson, one student, and one song at a time.
Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/merryknell to make a donation and spread the gift of music.
