Emily Thompson is a Chicago-based soprano and private music teacher. She received her M.M. in Vocal Performance from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and her B.M. from Florida State University. While she is focused mainly on exploring the operatic stage, having performed such roles as Suor Angelica, Wellgunde in Wagner’s Das Rheingold, Seoul Healthcare Worker in David Shenton’s opera On Call: COVID-19, and Mother in Hansel and Gretel, Emily also has experience singing musical theater, choral, and popular music styles.

Emily also has a history as a collaborative pianist. She has freelanced as a vocal and choral accompanist and loves being able to support her fellow artists with all of her abilities. Emily values being a multi-faceted individual, and knows that her aptness in many areas is reflected in her abilities on-stage. Emily’s multifaceted approach to her own artistry is mirrored in her attitude towards teaching. During her graduate studies, Emily was the Graduate Assistant in Musicianship, teaching music theory and aural skills to undergraduate music students in one-on-one and classroom settings. In fall of 2023, she joined the faculty as Oak Park School of Music and Wesley School of Music, teaching voice and piano to students of varying ages and abilities.

            The study of music is a discipline that, over time, takes tremendous focus and willpower. However, it is also an art that requires an open heart and mind. Emily aims to honor students’ technical, musical, and personal goals as individual artists through inclusive and varying study of the skills required to become a well-rounded musical artist. She hopes to create a learning space that is highly inclusive of various skill sets, backgrounds, and learning styles through open communication and mindfulness towards my students’ needs. Emily wants every person to know that they are capable of art-making to any degree they seek, as long as every lesson or day of practice is approached with love and passion.

“Through varied and personalized instruction in an inclusive and welcoming environment, I aim to honor students’ technical, musical, and personal goals as individual artists while honing the necessary skills required to become an effective and well-rounded musician.”