We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Cerovich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I vividly remember being in a voice lesson a few years ago. I was twenty years old, just finding my voice as a classical voice student. I was singing through an Italian aria and relishing every high note, every run, every luscious, indulgent sweep of the melodic line. Finishing the song with a flourish, I looked over to my voice professor, with expectant pride and confidence. She walked across from the piano to where me and my music stand held out posture like an Olympic gymnast sticking her landing. Gently and kindly, she looked me in the eye and said, “that was not your most beautiful singing. You have and can sound better.” I blinked confusedly. She continued, “Emma, this music is not for you to indulge in. You have to experience the music personally, but communicate beyond just what you feel.”

That key moment stands out in my mind: my music is not about me. Every aria I sing, every song I write, every stage I sing on, is not a soapbox for my own emotional gratification. In order to be an impactful voice and powerful musician, discipline must be coupled with delicate, raw emotion — the paradox of real communication without over communication. It’s a thin line, but I am learning that this is the difference between a good performance and a performance that really touches other peoples’ hearts and builds connection, community, and a greater experience beyond the music. An excellent musician’s song or performance is unique but gives a touchstone for someone to say, “me too, I get that, I understand that!” in the most beautiful, relationship-building way. At the end of the day, it’s those moments of humble onstage power that touch people through a note or a word.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My interest in music as a storytelling device led me to study ethnomusicology in my undergrad. I envisioned myself going overseas to learn in a non-Western musical context. However, over the past two years, I have become very invested in bringing the Western classical form into the modern age, and making opera and art song more accessible to younger people and audiences that would not otherwise experience this music. I think so often we tend to easily put all classical music into one small category (I can be the first to do so), when in reality it is incredibly diverse in background of composers and soundscape.
I am excited to further explore this expression of music in grad school at Missouri State University, where I have just started my tenure!
In tandem with my continued education, I am a songwriter. This part of my musical life has given me a place to tell my own personal story, as well as build relationships with other musicians and songwriters. My musical influences are Norah Jones and strong female vocalists like Rachael Price, Tori Kelly, and Lauren Daigle.

I am excited to announce that I have just released my first EP, Heart Gone Wrong. If you like acoustic jazz and tender breakup songs, this music is for you! It is my own personal corner of stories, and I am honored to have some extremely talented musicians playing on these tracks. It is available for you to listen to on every streaming platform, whenever and wherever you want to. You can stay updated by following my social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) @emmacerovichmusic. I am excited for you to tune in!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I am native to the Vail Valley and am always so excited when friends come in town. My first stop is always Yeti’s Grind for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich in the village. There are so many things to do any time of year in Vail — in the winter we have our amazing ski and boarding terrain (taking 2-3 days on the mountain barely hits it all!), as well as great restaurants and cozy Bavarian-feeling scenes. Pepi’s is a a great authentic Bavarian restaurant to try in the Village!
There are equally, if not more, great activities in Vail in the summer. As a musician, I always invite friends to a Bravo! Vail Music Festival concert, our summer festival featuring four world-class orchestras. I would take a hike on the Berry Picker trail. My favorite apres (after skiing/hiking drink) are at Gorsuch Ski Cafe, Root and Flower, and Tenth Mountain Whiskey. In the winter visiting one of the ice skating rinks at night is so magical, and an evening stroll through the village is a must-do in Vail!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh gosh….SO many people to thank for where I am today. My parents, Jan and Jeff, have never once hesitated to support me in all of the music, coming to every gig and recital they can, listening to hours of practice sessions, and always encouraging me to look back to Jesus, the giver of my gifts. Dr. Sarah Holman, who has drawn me to see the voice from an incredibly insightful, spiritual, God-oriented angle that leaves me in awe of the human voice. She has been so kind and patient with me and my voice (and my emotions) for many years now.
Nick Carleton, who has not only demonstrated excellence in the music realm but also every other realm of his life. He has taught me what leadership, humility, and generosity looks like from the stage. He has been such a wonderful mentor and friend. Thank you, Nick.
Max Clark, a faithful friend for almost a decade now. He has been there for every important milestone in my life, ready with a listening ear and a song to help me tinker on. He’s one of the best musicians I know and I am deeply grateful to be his friend!
The many other professors and peers at Wheaton College Conservatory who gave me the chance to grow into a little budding soprano and take steps towards becoming a fully fledged one!
My dear friends at Urban Doxology and Arrabon Ministry Richmond, Virginia, for being a community of songwriters and worship leaders who gave me real, tangible tools as well as the confidence to call myself a real songwriter!
I could keep going on people to thank. Being a musician is a privilege and I could not have taken these steps without my many music educators, role models, and music enthusiasts!

Instagram: @emmacerovichmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmacerovichmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8LjE_2hhMLfxmFLEZebYFg

Other: Listen to Heart Gone Wrong here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/emmacerovich/heart-gone-wrong-2

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.