Emily

PianoVoice

About Emily

Emily Kocontes is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, songwriter, and keyboardist. She is highly experienced in teaching piano, voice and songwriting. She recently graduated from the USC Popular Music Program with an Emphasis in Songwriting. Emily has since gained experience as a session vocalist, performing and background vocalist, songwriter, and instrumentalist. Her song "Hideaway" was recently released by the artist Grace VanderWaal on Columbia Records and featured in the Paramount animated film "Wonder Park." She has experience working with students from ages 4 and above, to achieve their musical goals by structuring personalized methods that work best for each student. She is passionate about teaching, and she loves to impart her love of voice, songwriting and piano to her students!

Q&A with Emily

Which musician would you like to play with?

Adele and Bruno Mars

Which musician has influenced you the most?

Sara Bareilles and Stevie Wonder

What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?

Understanding the fundamentals of music theory, expressing yourself through music, and having fun!

How did you learn to play your instrument?

I started taking piano lessons at 7 years old and voice lessons at age 9. My dad is also a musician, which greatly influenced my musicality. I also graduated from the Pop Music Program at USC where I further developed my piano, voice and songwriting skills.

What equipment do you play on today?

Yamaha Keyboard, Neumann TLM 103 Microphone

Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?

My love of music, and being able to express myself.

What does your instrument have that others don't?

My vocal abilities are strong across different genres, and I have a relatable pop sensibility with my songwriting.

How do you handle children?

I am incredibly nurturing, and create a learning space that is unique to each student based on their most successful learning style. But I also aim to help my students step out of their comfort zone and work towards their musical goals.

What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?

Performing on broadcast television, having a song placed in the Paramount film "WonderPark," and performing at the Troubadour.

What was the biggest stage you played on?

The Troubadour

Which record would you take with you to the desert island?

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

Besides music, what else is important in your life?

My family and friends

Music style(s)

Popr&bsinger-songwriter

Level(s) Comfortable Teaching

Beginner and Intermediate Piano, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Voice, and Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Songwriting

What languages can you teach in?

English

What's your age?

Videos

https://www.emilyk.co/performances-1

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PrA9ElQKsVlAi0sjR30BQ?si=532683e8f0cf4b44

Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations

Co-writer on "Hideaway" by Grace VanderWaal which premiered in the Paramount film "Wonder Park"

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