Emma Dunbar is an engaging music educator and performer, passionate about sharing music with students and audiences of all ages. Emma attributes her zeal for music to her early experiences teaching students in rural Alberta. This formative time shaped her teaching philosophy, leading her to view teaching as a precious privilege: an opportunity to introduce each student to the beauty of music and the fascinating process of learning.

Emma has been teaching violin/viola, piano and theory professionally since 2015; preparing students for recitals, festivals, auditions, exams or exploring musical interests for enjoyment. In lessons, Emma strives to foster a love of music often utilizing various styles including classical, pop, anime, jazz, hymns, worship music, chording, and fiddle. While Emma emphasizes technical refinement and effective practicing, her foremost goal is to keep lessons simple and fun, taking into account the interests and personality of each student. With this flexible approach, Emma’s students develop a solid foundation from which to enjoy the creative process, enabling them to confidently explore songs they love.

Emma’s own early music training was guided by Fiona Carnie, Colleen Athparia and Jean Auger-Crowe. After completing her Associate Diploma with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT), she studied at Wilfrid Laurier University with Christine Vlajk and Jerzy Kaplanek, earning a Bachelors of Music Performance and a Diploma in Chamber Music. During this time, Emma also became an accredited Suzuki teacher, through long-term teacher training with Paule Barsalou. Most recently, Emma completed her Masters in Music at the University of Ottawa with Michael van der Sloot. And to further her performance and pedagogy training, Emma is currently pursuing an Artistic Diploma at The Glenn Gould School, studying with Steven Dann.

As a performer, Emma has competed and performed in various orchestras, competitions and festivals across Canada and the United States. Often, these opportunities include orchestral leadership positions from concertmaster to principal violist. Most recently, she took on such roles at the Banff Centre for Art & Creativity and Festival Napa Valley. As an active freelancer, Emma enjoys many additional forms of collaboration from accompanying her students to free improvisation jams to organizing chamber recitals. For whether teaching or performing, Emma finds her motivation and drive through sharing the excitement of music with her community.