Emily Zizza

Emily is a native of Frostburg who "caught the music bug" through participating in marching, all-county, and concert bands at Beall High School (Mountain Ridge) and taking private clarinet lessons as a student of Jean Miller. This passion led her to pursue degrees in clarinet performance, where she studied under Deborah Chodacki at the University of Michigan and Richard MacDowell at the University of Texas at Austin.

While in Austin, Texas, Emily discovered a love of teaching as a graduate assistant to Professor MacDowell and as a private lesson instructor for three independent school districts. Her performance background includes a career as a clarinet instrumentalist in the Navy Band Northwest (Silverdale, WA) and the Fleet Forces Band (Norfolk, VA), as well as freelancing and performing klezmer and chamber music and collaborating with new music projects.

Emily aims to create a joyful experience during lessons, incorporating ear training, listening, and duets. Whether just starting to play or preparing for college or All-State/All-County auditions, her approach adapts to each student's levels, goals, and musical interests. Outside the practice room, you can find Emily on the hiking trail with her animal companion and rescue dog, Harriet.