Singer Spotlight: Julianna Emanski

http://www.juliannaemanski.com/

Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What is your educational and musical background?

I grew up in North East Pennsylvania and have been singing in choir since age eight or nine. I was always going to music summer camps (1993 - 2004), playing in marching and concert bands (mellophone and french horn), and overall just having a grand ol' time! Come to think of it...when I am not doing one million things, I get bored!

As I got older, I started to develop a taste for the baroque music period. In 2008, I began attending summer baroque music institutes (2008-2018). The way I received a very specific education in my extensive exposure to early music through these summer programs. Every single summer, I looked forward to learning new things about this music, working with period instrumentalists on projects, and performing alongside colleagues and master musicians in the field. I learned so many valuable things! I met tons of people from around the world, and I grew immensely in every aspect each summer. I have very fond memories from these programs and today, early music is one of my greatest passions.

My Degrees are: Temple University Bachelors in Music Education K-12, University of North Texas Masters in Early Music, Cornish College of the Arts Artist Diploma in Early Music, and currently finishing a University of North Texas Doctorate in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Entrepreneurship (ABD). I started an early music ensemble in DFW, LumediaMusicworks.com, and actively perform across the country as a soloist and professional chorister: JuliannaEmanski.com. I dabble in photography, too, but it's not my main focus.

What is one thing you wish you had known as a young singer and why?

I wish I had known how MANY things in the arts you could do. There is so much more to the classical music and fine arts scene than being a soloist. I think that is a topic that no one really talks about to young people.

Tell us about an obstacle you have faced during your career and how you overcame it.

The biggest obstacle I have faced is something that everyone has gone through: being told "no." But, I have been told "no" by competitions and auditions since I was 10, so I got used to it at an early age. My mom never let me give up; I just kept trying. Yet, even today, there have been times when I get excited talking about an idea and someone shuts me down with "that won't work" or " it's too hard." Hearing these things still causes me to stop dead in my tracks. However, I believe the way I overcome it is to (1) listen and ask questions, (2) try and understand where they are coming from, and (3) work smart (and hard) to make things happen. That is how I began creating my own opportunities!

What is one role or piece you could perform over and over and never get tired of?

The character La Folie from Jean-Philippe Rameau's opera Platée!

If you could only give one piece of advice to a young singer, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. In the classical music world we are focused in perfection in our work and singing, more so than other musical fields. Everyone needs to remember that in order to move forward and grow, you mustn’t be afraid of failure!! This quote by Billy Graham sums it up: "Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience, and being persistent."

Is there anything you spent too much time stressing over that didn't end up being a big deal?

No. To be honest, I love problem solving and finding solutions.

Where can we catch you performing next?

Next up is Lumedia Musicworks "Well Blended" performance featuring Bach's and Bernier's Coffee Cantatas. It will take place in several small and intimate venues: Plano (Oct. 4) and Dallas (Oct. 5). In collaboration with the Artists Enclave of Denton County, there will be a public reception (Oct. 6) for the “Well Blended” Art Exhibition where Lumedia will perform selections of their coffee program. Seating will be limited. You can find tickets online in advance at LumediaMusicworks.com.