BACKGROUND
Music has always been the thing that inspires me, motivates me in dark times, and gives me purpose and comfort above anything else. One of my earliest memories of experiencing professional music live was sitting next to my mom watching The Nutcracker at our local performing arts center. At five years old, I didn’t have the vocabulary to describe the energy shift that put the audience in a trance while the live orchestra and dancers performed, but I knew it was something special that I wanted to experience again and again. Eventually, my curiosity led me to choose the flute as my instrument.
Growing up as a twin, my sense of self wasn’t distinct as I was constantly being compared to this whole other person. My household was also chaotic and unpredictable most of the time. Studying the flute became the first thing in my life that truly felt like mine and was able to fill voids from my childhood by helping me feel safe, secure, and independent. Practicing gave me structure and discipline. Improving gave me control. Performing gave me a sense of creativity and artistic expression.
These early values stayed with me, but my reasons for continuing to pursue music expanded during my time at the University of Northern Iowa. I entered as a double major in flute performance and performing arts management. Eventually, I added minors in psychology and sexuality, women’s, and gender studies because I wanted to understand music through a more human lens. I wanted to understand identity, emotion, and the systems that shape music performance interpretations and pedagogy practices.
During my time at UNI, I've also had the privilege of getting to travel to Europe for three different performance tours. The Wind Ensemble traveled to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest in 2022 to perform with local ensembles. My woodwind quintet was invited to be the wind quintet in residence for a couple summer music festivals in France. We got to play in the pit of two different operas, perform our own chamber recital, and did pop-up performances around the towns. In 2024, the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra traveled to Northern Italy where we performed at a couple festivals and with some local ensembles. Performing and collaborating in Europe shifted my perspective on music completely in the most inspiring and motivating way.
At UNI, I discovered that leadership and service are a core part of who I am. I felt a responsibility to make things better for the people around me because I knew what it felt like not to have that support. I've served as the Lead Peer Educator for the School of Music, flute instructor for the Community Music School, camp counselor for several music camps, given masterclasses at local high schools, served as music librarian for our local professional symphony, served on university committees and boards, and so much more. I have spent the last several years building organizations, planning events, advocating for and creating resources, expanding accessibility, mentoring younger musicians, and improving systems anywhere I could.
"Emily is a kind, warm and extremely driven young woman, and I feel that she
has an extraordinary capacity for excellence."
- Dr. Hannah Porter Occeña
"She excels academically and
musically and is one of the strongest and most capable leaders that I have ever had the privilege of working with. Her organizational skills and commitment to the success of those around her is unmatched."
- Dr. Heather Peyton
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VALUES
Community and Connection is what drives me as a musician. Whether I’m performing in a chamber ensemble, teaching a private student, or organizing a community event, I am most alive when music becomes a space for shared understanding. In those moments when everyone is attuned to each other, pitch, pulse, and expression align. This is when I feel the deepest sense of purpose.
Other core values of mine include honesty, creativity, and excellence. I believe that great artistry comes from authenticity and the courage to be human, make mistakes, and transform them into something beautiful. Music education and performance should never be about competition or exclusion; they should be about curiosity, growth, and joy. As an educator and performer, I strive to foster spaces where all people can access and experience music regardless of background or privilege.
I am also committed to making music a force for equity, empathy, and wellness. The field of classical music has long been shaped by systems of classism, racism, and perfectionism that isolate rather than inspire. I want to help dismantle those barriers by centering mental health, accessibility, and compassion in every rehearsal, lesson, and performance. When musicians feel supported and seen, they can reach their fullest artistic and human potential.
In addition, I believe being an artist is in and of itself, a political statement. Collaboration in music teaches empathy and promotes mutual understanding, unity, order, compassion, integrity, and so much more. In times of uncertainty, music gives us beauty and focus and reminds us to be patient and accept imperfection.
Creativity and the desire to be unique and innovative fuels everything I do. From curating multimedia performance projects, to developing new pedagogical approaches, coming up with innovative ideas motivates me the most.
Ultimately, I strive to use music to build bridges, challenge inequities, and cultivate peace. I aspire to be an educator and artist who empowers others to find their voice, nurtures lifelong growth, and reminds every musician that both their art and humanity are worthy and needed.
SPECIAL TOPICS OF INTEREST
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Musician Wellness
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Performance Psychology
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Accommodating Pedagogical Approaches
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Accessibility in Music Education and Exposure
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Creating Innovative Performance Experiences