Dr. Emily Williams Burch began teaching in 2007, including directing community choirs, teaching in public schools, training in professional development settings, and as a professor at the university level. Currently the Coordinator of Music Education and Professor at the University of South Carolina, Aiken, Dr. Burch is also the Founder/Artistic Director of RISE Chorales (LLC) and RISE Outreach (a 501(c)(3)). 

Both RISE organizations provide community choirs and music programs to the city of Savannah, GA. 

On the side, Dr. Burch is an active clinician, adjunct music faculty at Savannah Technical College, and serves as chair for the ACDA National Standing Committee for Advocacy and Collaboration. 

A published author, Burch co-wrote “The Business of Choir” in 2022. Catch Dr. Burch on her podcast “Music (ed) Matters” or co-hosting “The Illuminate Podcast” wherever you listen to podcasts, or follow her adventures running and pacing marathons at @elevatedrunningandpacing.