Emily Gillespie
soprano, educator
My name is Emily Gillespie, I am a classical soprano currently teaching voice, beginner piano, and contemporary guitar to all ages, starting from age five. American “hustle culture” in both schools and the work force, does not prioritize mental health or self-expression. But music, at its core, is a tool which promotes expression and stress relief. As a teacher, I present music as an outlet and a safe space, while providing my students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively tell their stories.
Teaching Statement
As a teacher, my only goal is to share the joy that is music. I want my students, like myself, to truly love their craft. In my lessons, I cultivate an environment of curiosity, dedication, support, and respect. I will never ask my students for more than I could have accomplished at their level because, while I expect hard work, I know that my students are human beings. Music is a vulnerable craft, and I want my lessons to be a safe space for students to make mistakes as they hone their skills. Pedagogy and healthy technique is my number one priority when assigning repertoire, and I will not assign repertoire a student is not yet trained for, especially for young or amateur musicians.
Diversity Statement
I am a young teacher and I do not have many first-hand experiences facilitating diversity in my studio. However, as a performer and collaborator, I have worked with many different types of people with different beliefs, backgrounds, and identities. As a white woman, I am always careful to be respectful when choosing repertoire from other cultures. If a student chooses to explore a piece from another culture, I encourage them to properly research and respect that culture before performing it. I strongly believe in coexisting amongst differences and will always work to create an environment where myself and my students respect one another.