4/20/2023
Performances and Artists
When Emmaline went to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music on full scholarship, she soon made a decision that would change her life.
She switched her major from violin performance to jazz studies, allowing her to merge her lifetime of classical violin training with her purring vocals.
To showcase her fusion of singing and violin, Emmaline started penning her own songs, she says, and posted “little acoustic covers” on social media.
“Truthfully, I didn’t have any expectations of going viral,” says the 25-year-old, who grew up immersed in jazz with her father a professional jazz pianist. “It was just something I thought was fun to do, and I really enjoyed making music.”
But within a few months, Emmaline earned over 10,000 social-media followers — which has since swelled to over 500,000.
This global fanbase has resulted in Emmaline being featured in Rolling Stone, as well as opening for 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan and performing at the world’s top jazz venues.
“It’s really cool to know that people all over the world listen to my music and watch my videos,” she says. “My followers and supporters are the main reason why I am able to have a full-time career in music.”
“I am very intentional about making sure every performance feels very intimate and cozy,” Emmaline says. “Almost as if we’re playing songs for you in your living room at home.”
Marrying Vocals and Violin
Combining singing with playing the violin poses no challenge for Emmaline, who has played violin since age 4 — even learning to read music before she could read English.
“(Playing violin) comes as easily to me as talking and singing does,” she says. “I love to use my violin almost like trumpets and saxophones are used in modern music, by playing hooks and solos on my instrument in between verses and choruses.”
She plans to apply this signature technique throughout her upcoming concert at Myron’s.
Backed by a trio on jazz guitar, bass and drums, she will perform original jazz melodies from her all-new album “Retro Kind of Love,” in addition to jazz standards and covers of beloved pop hits.
She will also delight audiences with stories of the inspiration behind her music, she adds.
“I hope everyone in attendance leaves with a smile on their face,” she says.
A Meteoric Rise
Emmaline takes none of her success for granted, especially how her very first performance tour in 2019 was with Chaka Khan.
“It was such a bucket list moment,” Emmaline says. “I’ve looked up to her as a vocalist for my whole life.”
Emmaline also continues to sell out venues nationwide, as well as perform at prestigious venues like the Blue Note in Napa, California and at leading festivals like the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
And wherever her original music takes Emmaline, her violin will come, too.
“I’ve been a violinist basically my whole life,” she says. “I think it brings a lot of uniqueness and authenticity to my sound.”
SEE THE SHOW
Emmaline performs at 7 p.m. on June 10 at The Smith Center – for tickets, CLICK HERE.