For more than a decade, I have been writing and editing concert program notes for organizations and individuals all over the country.
Sharing the stories behind 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.
My love for this work began at Madeline Island Chamber Music in 2014 and then developed when I joined the Minnesota Orchestra’s communications department in 2015. There I worked for nearly 7 years as a writer, editor, and media relations manager. One of my favorite roles was as the assistant editor for Showcase, the Minnesota Orchestra’s monthly program magazine.
Since then, I have been the editor and annotator for the Lakes Area Music Festival concert program book for four seasons. I previously held the same role for Madeline Island Chamber Music, creating their annual program book ten times.
I have also written program descriptions, marketing copy, CD liner notes, and website content for music organizations such as Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Northrop Auditorium, 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.
Outside of the arts world, I was privileged to serve as the editor for two editions of the Diabetic Health Journal, created by Lauren Bongiorno, founder of Risely Health.
Writing Examples:
Concert descriptions for SLSO 2025-26 season (explore calendar for blurbs and fun facts)
Program Notes from Minnesota Orchestra
“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