Mary Elisabeth (M.E./ Emi) has been singing since age two and was in her first musical at age nine. She sang in choirs and many musicals in high school. When she fell into teaching voice in 2014 she learned that she loved helping others work to sing in a healthy way and find their joy and passion through performance.
Emi received her bachelor of music in music therapy with voice as her principal instrument in 2009 from Appalachian State University. She has been performing with the Durham Savoyards since 2010 and has played roles such as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance in 2013 and Gianetta in The Gondoliers in 2024. From 2014 – 2020 she taught at CHSMA, and then went back to App State University to get her master of music in vocal performance in 2020, finishing the degree in 2022. During her master’s program she performed the role of Laurie in Aaron Copland’s opera “The Tender Land.” She also received a certificate in music theory pedagogy with her master’s degree.
Performing is one of Emi’s absolute favorite things. Her main genres are musical theatre and opera, but she is always happy to take on a challenge whether it is performing or teaching. With over 12 years of teaching experience, Emi’s main focuses are healthy vocal technique and enjoyment of performance. She as worked with students of varying ages from kids to adults.
