About Me

Welcome! I'm Emma Bentley, a dedicated music educator and professional musician and with over 4 years of experience in performance and teaching. My journey in music began at an early age, and I've had the privilege of studying with some wonderful teachers throughout my musical journey. These experiences have shaped my approach to teaching, allowing me to bring real-world performance experience into my lessons while maintaining a strong foundation in pedagogy.

Musical Journey

My musical education includes a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio, where I honed my skills as both a performer and educator. While studying at CWRU, I had the privilege of studying clarinet as my primary instrument, and percussion as a secondary. Throughout my undergraduate career, I prioritized comprehensively learning all instruments, so that I may better help future students. I was lucky enough to have performed on the cello, french horn, trumpet, and saxophone, in addition to my studies.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that music education has a unique capability to build students’ self-confidence and self-efficacy. My teaching approach combines traditional techniques with trauma-informed cultural competency, creating an engaging learning environment that promotes both technical excellence and creative expression. Whether working with beginners or advanced students, I tailor my instruction to meet individual needs and goals. I strive for my students to walk away from our experiences with a deeper appreciation for music as well as hold musical and life skills that they can apply to their lives in various meaningful ways.

Performance Career

As an active performer, I regularly appear with orchestras, and chamber ensembles. These experiences inform my teaching and allow me to provide students with insights into the professional music world. I truly enjoy performing with others, and actively demonstrate to my students my enthusiasm. I believe that maintaining an active performance career is essential to being an effective educator.