For more than a decade, I have been writing and editing concert program notes for music ensembles throughout the Midwest.
Sharing the stories behind great pieces of music in this way has allowed me to combine my life experiences as an orchestral bassoonist, a music librarian, an arts administrator, and an educator all into one activity.
I have been the editor and annotator for the Lakes Area Music Festival concert program book since 2022 and previously held the same role in creating Madeline Island Chamber Music’s annual program book for ten seasons.
I have also written program descriptions, CD liner notes, website copy, and marketing copy for music organizations such as Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, and the Lakes Area Music Festival. I have supported many arts organizations and individuals through their season announcements and other major campaigns by proofreading materials and helping to draft annual reports, press releases, and blog posts.
My love for this work began at Madeline Island Chamber Music in 2014 and continued to grow when I joined the Minnesota Orchestra’s communications department in 2015, where I was able to work for many years as a writer, editor, and media relations manager. One of my favorite roles there was as the assistant editor for Showcase, the orchestra’s monthly program magazine.
Outside of the arts world, I was lucky to serve as the editor for two editions of the Diabetic Health Journal, created by Lauren Bongiorno, founder of Risely Health.
View a list of some of my program notes that are now available for reprint or revision
Please contact me for more information about rates and services.
Writing Examples:
Program Notes for Lera Auerbach’s Icarus - St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, February 2024
Program Notes from Minnesota Orchestra’s January 31-February 1 concert - Du Yun’s Kraken
Program Notes from Minnesota Orchestra’s January 10-11 concert - Elfrida Andree’s Concert Overture and Outi Tarkianien’s Midnight Sun Variations
Minnesota Orchestra 2023-24 Season Brochure (all classical program copy)
“Emma was the ideal writing and editing partner in producing the Minnesota Orchestra’s Showcase program magazine from 2015 to 2022. We put out a higher-quality magazine each month thanks to her creativity, attention to detail and interest in always expanding her perspectives, and through her insider’s knowledge of the orchestra world as a professional musician. The Orchestra has enjoyed continuing to work with her as a freelancer and we know we’re in good hands, whatever the project—from marketing brochure copy to program notes ranging from standard repertoire to never-recorded works.” - Carl Schroeder, Publications Editor, Minnesota Orchestra