Emma Marie Fernandez began her journey as a pianist at the age of ten. However, her deep love of music initially began earlier upon joining a local homeschool choir, which she continued throughout high school. Through her involvement in choral and instrumental activities, private lessons, and cultivating her interest in voice, piano, music theory and history, and more, Emma received a comprehensive music education. During her high school years, she participated in vocal contests and various piano events, including local piano festivals, honors recitals, National Piano Playing Auditions, Texas Music Teachers Association theory examinations, and The Royal Conservatory of Music practical and theory examinations, all with exceptional results. As a pre-college student, Emma was selected to participate in the University of Missouri-Kansas City Piano Institute and the Texas Woman's University Piano Institute, studying under various esteemed faculty and performing in multiple masterclasses and recitals.
Emma recognizes the importance of furthering her professional and educational experience as a musician and teacher, and is currently pursuing a degree in music with an emphasis in piano at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She continually strives to learn and grow through the experiences and mentoring of accomplished musicians and pedagogues, studying under Dr. Richard Shuster and Dr. Fanarelia Guerrero-Lopez. Emma is active in the study of piano pedagogy at her university, most recently presenting pedagogical research at the Texas Woman's University Creative Arts and Research Symposium and attending state and national conferences with colleagues. Additionally, she is a 2025-2026 Experiential Student Scholar at Texas Woman's University, selected for an intensive program that provides her with the opportunity to begin new pedagogical research and projects under the guidance of a mentor. Emma is actively involved in research concerning underrepresented Latin American composers and musicians, most recently presenting as the 2026 MTNA Collegiate Symposium at the University of South Carolina.
She has also become involved in music composition, finding a passion for creating music of her own. In April 2025, Emma premiered and performed a solo piano work at the Texas Woman's University Composition Showcase, and in September 2025, her most recent composition was premiered by the Metroplex Clarinet Quartet through the 2025 Chamber Music Composition Program at Tarrant County College.
As a teacher and musician, Emma believes in maintaining a strong involvement in local and national music organizations to continue her experience and growth as a teacher. She is an active member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the Music Teachers National Association, and in both the Fort Worth Music Teachers Association and Mid-Cities Music Teachers Association. At the 2025 Texas Music Teachers Association conference, she served as an All-Star Festival judge, providing feedback to students performing across many levels of difficulty.
She is certified as an Elementary Specialist through The Royal Conservatory of Music, and her students have received successful marks at various levels of difficulties through The Royal Conservatory of Music Practical Examinations. Additionally, her students consistently receive high marks at the National Piano Playing Auditions.
Most importantly, Emma does not only believe in equipping her students to learn the piano well, but in focusing on her main objective of fostering a deeper love and appreciation of music in her students and encouraging them in their musical endeavors and goals. She looks forward to sharing her love of music with her students!
