Education
New England Conservatory
Violinist Emma Burge is a third generation Suzuki violinist, whose grandparents Sandy and Joan Reuning were pivotal in bringing the Suzuki method to the U.S. Emma got her degree from the New England Conservatory, and is an active freelancer/teacher in both Boston and Seattle. Because of her intense performance education, she learned a lot about balance and how to use music as a positive force. She cares about fostering a healthy and beautiful relationship with music through teaching young musicians the importance of self confidence, understanding and navigating emotions, and using the body in a relaxed and natural way. Emma cares about developing children as people as well as musicians, using the Suzuki method as a tool to bring out these qualities. Most recently, she has been appointed a teacher at New England Conservatory’s Preparatory Suzuki Program and the University of Hartford’s Hartt Community Division for the fall of 2024. Emma is currently Assistant Director of the Ithaca Suzuki Institute, as well as the Massachusetts Suzuki Festival.
Emma is also an avid supporter of contemporary and new music, seeking to combine her classical training with improvisation. Emma is a founder of the new music ensemble Alinéa, formed at the New England Conservatory. She has premiered thirty new chamber works in the past two years, including Arturo O’Farril’s Tiny Little Walls. She also recently recorded with artist Heather Maloney on her newest album, Soil in the Sky. In Boston, Emma is a member of the Phoenix Chamber Orchestra, Fermata, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Coda Ensemble. She also teaches through From the Staff, providing lessons to students in need. Emma gives many thanks to her pivotal teachers: Heidi Flanders, Gabriel Pegis, Ayano Ninomiya, and Lucy Chapman.