Emily  began classical training at the age of six studying the Suzuki Method of Violin.  She continued her classical instruction developing her solo and orchestral performance skills and is currently  a member of the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

     While classical music was an essential component of Emily's training at the age of eleven she took an interest in fiddling and began learning Old Time fiddle tunes with Ms. Erica Jackofsky of the Homegrown String Band.  Emily was the recipient of a two year scholarship awarded by the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association. 

      From there Emily began to explore other fiddle genres like New England, Canadian, Cape Breton and Celtic forms.  She has attended numerous workshops up and down the east coast and has received instruction from many fiddle legends such as Dr. John Turner, Jerry Holland, Barbara Owens, Alasdair Fraser, and Lissa Schneckenburger.  Emily is an accomplished Scottish fiddler and is a current reigning Regional Champion in both Maryland and Virginia.  Emily is also Blue Ribbon winner in the Junior Division of the Irish Competition as well as third place winner in the Adult Open Division of the Irish Competition of 2008.  She has also been a featured Scottish fiddler at Colonial Williamsburg and performed in the  CW production "He Called for His Fiddlers Three" with fiddle great Dr. John Turner, David Gardiner and Cliff Williams on guitar. This production was sold out! Emily added to her skills as an instructor at Maine Fiddle Camp in the summer of 2009 and plans to continue to preserve the tradition of fiddle music by teaching at camps in the future.  

     While Emily plays most frequently with Made From Scratch Bluegrass Band, she also belongs to the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra in Portsmouth. This December the orchestra will be on a European tour playing venues in London and Paris. Emily also belongs to the Appalachian Ensemble at William and Mary where she plays mainly old time music with W & M students and professors.

     Emily adds an interesting ability to improvise while playing fiddle harmonies and enjoys playing bluegrass music with Made From Scratch Bluegrass Band.  She is currently applying to several universities and conservatories where she will pursue a musical performance degree. We will keep you posted on which schools accept Emily and where she finally will attend.