Dr. Emily Williams Burch began teaching in 2007, including directing community choirs, teaching in public schools, training in professional development settings, and as a professor at the university level. Currently a Professor of Music at the Savannah College of Art and Design, previously, Burch was the Coordinator of Music Education at the University of South Carolina, Aiken. Dr. Burch is also the Founder/Artistic Director of >RISE Chorales (LLC) and RISE Outreach (a 501(c)(3)). Both RISE organizations provide community choirs and music programs to the city of Savannah, GA. Dr. Burch serves as chair for the ACDA National Standing Committee for Advocacy and Collaboration and as a published author, co-wrote “The Business of Choir” in 2022. Catch Dr. Burch on her podcast “Music (ed) Matters” or co-hosting “The Illuminate Podcast” wherever you listen to podcasts or follow her adventures running and pacing marathons at @elevatedrunningandpacing. Find out more at EmilyBurch.org.

image of student musicians. Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference. December 17-19, 2025. Chicago, Illinois. Register now.
September 2025 Music Educators Journal cover art. Now available online. The latest issue of Music Educators Journal.
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