I was born in Tübingen (Germany) in 1965. After my artium in 1984, I left for Southern Ireland, Duffcarig, doing a voluntary year at the Camphill Community for adults in need of special care. This stay inspired me to seek to the Camphill Schools in Scotland, where I worked and studied as a teacher for children with diverse learning and life skill challenges for five years. In 1990, I left Scotland to attend a teacher training program in Sacramento, California. I moved to Norway in 1991 and have lived there since. I have worked as a teacher at various schools (Waldorf, Montessori, Public) teaching children and youth from grades 1 to 12, as well as master students at the R.ST. University College in Oslo. I also chose to do a three year training as a psychodrama assistant at the NPI in Oslo, both to inspire my personal development and in order to understand and work with students in an informed way. My work experience also includes five years as an environmental therapist at an institution for youth between ages 13 and 20.
In 2009 I started higher education at the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences within the subjects Drama, English, and Music. In 2014, I delivered my masterthesis on musical experiences. Access here: Merkelbach.pdf (715.0Kb)
In 2022 I successfully defended my doctoral thesis on musical talent on YouTube Merkelbach Cyborg Talentification 2022.pdf (2.017Mb)
Since August 1rst 2023 I carry the position of Study Program Officer for the Teacher Training program grades 1 to 7 at the University of Inland Norway Campus Hamar. Next to that, I continue researching on music education, teacher training, popular music issues concerning young people, social media, and cultural understanding.
Music, Media, and Education 