Emily Elliott began her formal music training 12 years ago performing as a soloist and with various ensembles including the Lawrence Children's Choir and South West Junior High School's Bel Canto Choir under the direction of Janeal Krehbiel, Lawrence Free State High School's Chamber Choir and Chamber Singers under the direction of Pam Bushouse,
Lawrence Free State High School Symphonic band under the direction of
Avian Bear as a percussionist. She also studied piano and voice
privately.
In 2000, Emily attended the University of Kansas
where she worked on a vocal performance degree. She also was part of
many of KU's vocal ensembles where she sang under the direction of Simon Carrington and Dr. John Paul Johnson. Emily had the privilege of studying voice at KU with Un Chong Christopher, Pamela Hinchman and Joyce Castle.
Emily
has continued to expand her musical abilities by pursuing choral
conducting, hand bells, recorder, and children’s music education. She
also performs independently at weddings, Christian services, and other
events.
From
2001 - 2006 Emily was the Director of Music at Centenary United
Methodist Church in Lawrence, KS. At Centenary, she directed the Adult
Chancel Choir and all other music activities of the church. Her
responsibilities grew to include directing vacation bible school, the
writing and implementing of a new Children’s Music, Drama & Art
Ministries Sunday school program, collaborating with worship design,
writing and sharing the message, and leading congregational singing.
In 2006, Emily was the instructor for Tiny Tot's music offered by the Lawrence, Kansas Parks and Recreation Department.
Musical concepts were shared with parents and children ages 18 - 32
months. Each class focused on classic children's songs and linking
movement to music.
Emily is currently pursuing United Methodist Musician Certification. In the summer of 2006 she completed the Christian Music Summer School program at Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. It was at Perkins, where Emily was first introduced to the Taizé
music & worship and has continued to explore this prayer style. She
has lead many community Taizé events and is eager to share this
wonderful experience with others.
The
Elliott Music Studio was launched in
2007. Emily provides private and small group instruction in both piano
and voice for all ages as well as solo performances for church
services, weddings and funerals.
