Merlin Julie is a piano, organ and woodwind specialist with a focus in the Classical and Jazz genres and directs school, church and male choirs. Other ensembles currently under his leadership include the Steenberg Community Big Band, “Just Friends”, a Saxophone Quintet, and a Christmas Band. He has been a clinician for symphonic wind bands, clarinet ensembles, saxophone ensembles, big bands as well as the music director for numerous musical productions, nationally and abroad. In addition to this he has close to four decades of class teaching experience, being responsible for teaching subject music and instrumental music for Grades 8-12.
Julie holds a Master of Music from Wayne State University, and Master of Arts degrees from Detroit and New York University. His vocational qualifications include a BMus degree in Education, coupled with a Teacher’s Licentiate (School Music Diploma) from Rhodes University; RULS – School Music; BMus – Music Education; MMus – Music Education (Curriculum Development) ; MA – Music Therapy.
Julie is currently the Music Director of the Steenberg High School Wind Band Programme and directs the class recorder programme at Floreat and Steenberg Primary Schools. Is a part-time lecturer at Stellenbosch University in the Certificate Programme – responsibilities include the facilitation of a Satellite Campus at Steenberg High School.