Education

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
B.M., Songwriting and Professional Music, 2009

Highlights and Achievements: World Scholarship Tour Recipient, Voice Department Achievement Award, BSA Scholarship

Emily's has studied privately with:
Steven Memel, Suzanne Kiechle, Jan Shapiro, Armsted Christian, Rhiannon, Jeff Rolka

Emily’s earliest memories involve music, but at the age of six, when she would burst into song for anyone willing to listen (and even those who weren’t) her parents decided it was time to enroll her in voice lessons.  Over the next 12 years, she studied extensively with two teachers:  Steven Memel and Suzanne Kiechle. While Steven focused heavily on the performative aspects of singing, Suzanne taught Emily how to protect her voice from overuse. Both of these facets of singing have become paramount in Emily’s own teaching technique.

As a musical theater kid, Emily toured the country with an original production, performed at the Falcon theater and sang for film & television. However, as Emily neared her angsty teens, her musical world expanded to include singer-songwriters, folk, and punk. A growing passion for songwriting brought Emily to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she received a Bachelors of Music in Songwriting and Professional Music. 

At Berklee, Emily formed her first band, Emily Peal and The Band of Skinny Men. A completely DIY Project, the band funded an entire album through the support of their fans. They also went on to record 3 more albums and tour the country. Their video for a cover of “Bang Bang” by Nancy Sinatra received over 16,000 views. 

Emily is currently residing in Pasadena and moonlights under the moniker Mountainess.

Emily's teaching method focuses on the physicality of vocalization, along with an emphasis on truly connecting with lyrics.  She enjoys working with singers of all levels and backgrounds. “Singing is a powerful form of storytelling. As we share each story, original or recounted, we are given the gift of simultaneously looking both inward and outward. Inside of us lies our breath, our resonance, our posture, our emotions, our bravery. Outside, we are greeted by those who would listen and by the sound of a unique voice, ringing out.”