About Emily
Composer
Emily Joy Sullivan (she/her) is a composer, educator, and performer. Emily didn’t really come from a musical background; she was a bookworm and tap dancer as a kid! But then she fell in love with plunking the piano at her Nonie’s house once a year... and then she REALLY fell in love with musical theater! In school productions, she would sing and dance, but also help with sets and costumes.
Emily loves music because of how it can be emotional, and because it creates community. Her favorite accomplishments are when she formed choirs and a capella groups where people of all backgrounds could come sing together. She loves composing all types of music, especially music with words, drama, art, and/or dance.
Emily grew up in Buffalo, NY and lives there again now. In between, she lived in Massachusetts, South Africa, New York City, and Northern California! Emily loves to travel as well, and spent
time in Italy, Guatemala, India, and more!
Emily had a brief career as a classroom teacher. It was very fun, but also so hard, to teach Pre-K. She misses watching the 4-year-olds make art with freedom and joy. She doesn't miss the accompanied bathroom trips. She left that job over ten years ago, but has still always been a teacher in some way.
Now, Emily teaches composers at the State University of New York at Fredonia. She also loves to teach classes about Musical Theater and World Music. She just graduated from the University of California (Davis) with a PHD in music theory and composition. She is really excited that her robe and fancy hat fit Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff colors!
Emily got married in September 2023. At the wedding, the centerpieces were different books and movies and TV shows! Also, the bride and groom wore bibs with cartoons on them and danced to "Hot in Here" (a song by Nelly, from before you were born). Her husband is a writer, and he also does work with computers.
What hobbies does Emily have? Well, she turned all her hobbies into jobs, pretty much! Oops. But when she manages to have some free time, she loves to watch TV and movies... cook... and play board games with her hubby. For "big fun," they TRAVEL. Next up is Ireland & Scotland!