Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Emma Colette Moss

Emma Colette Moss

Toronto,ON

Summary

Knowledgeable Music Director & Teacher trained in rigorous field of Music Academia & Performance with 15+ years of experience building exceptional leadership, planning and relationship-building skills. Detail-oriented and hardworking with a successful background in artistic and logistical management of instrumental & choral ensembles, management of 50+ student private lesson studio, self-build, reliable presence in the Toronto area with high praise from clients. Looking for a new role with long-term potential where very transferrable skills will serve a broader community.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University Of Toronto
09.2022 - Current
  • Introduction to Music & Society (Including Guest Lectures), Musicianship Training, Orchestral Ensemble
  • Weekly preparation of tutorial classes for 15-30 students, diverse range of topics, tutorial assignments, handling on-the-spot questions and discussions where students are engaging in significant critical thinking
  • Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-world examples into lectures.
  • Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
  • Supported instructors in grading exams and papers, maintaining accurate records of student performance throughout the semester.
  • Served as a liaison between faculty members and students, addressing concerns and facilitating resolution of issues promptly.
  • Mentored students through office hours and tutoring
  • Managed a classroom of diverse learners, implementing differentiated instruction strategies to meet individual student needs.
  • Assisted in the development of course materials, ensuring content was relevant and engaging for students.
  • Implemented innovative teaching techniques that catered to various learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement during lessons.
  • Researched current trends in education pedagogy and shared findings with colleagues to support continuous improvement within the department.
  • Offered guidance to students on academic and career planning to support professional goal setting.

Assistant Conductor

National Academy Orchestra Of Canada
05.2024 - Current

While similar to other Assistantships, key differences include:

  • Led sectional rehearsals as needed, focusing on addressing technical challenges and refining artistic expression among musicians.
  • Managed rehearsal schedules efficiently, maximizing productivity while maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Documentation and record-keeping of rehearsal notes, areas for improvement
  • Flexibility and adaptability as a cover conductor for guest artists
  • Enhanced performance quality by providing clear and concise conducting cues during rehearsals and performances.
  • Strengthened community connections through participation in local events or partnerships with other arts organizations.
  • Assisted in selecting repertoire for each season, considering the ensemble''s strengths and areas for growth.
  • Collaborated with the conductor to plan and execute successful concerts, ensuring seamless transitions between pieces.
  • Managed personnel issues professionally by mediating conflicts between musicians or addressing performance-related concerns promptly.
  • Promoted the orchestra's brand through various channels, including social media, traditional marketing materials, and interviews with local media outlets.
  • Provided constructive feedback to musicians during rehearsals, elevating individual technique and overall ensemble sound.
  • Prepared detailed score analyses for each piece performed, enhancing interpretation and communication with musicians.
  • Developed a strong rapport with musicians, fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect within the ensemble.

Co-Founder, Co-Director

Sinfonietta Aionia
03.2020 - Current

While similar to other Assistantships, key differences include:

  • Supported mission in administrative tasks such as budget management, program planning, venue search, networking, and funding applications to ensure organizational success.
  • Using music performance as a catalyst for social change: e.g. collaborations with food banks, etc.
  • Evaluated trends to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic decision making, in terms of programming, venue spaces, and the like
  • Secured valuable partnerships by establishing strong relationships such as with Trinity College
  • Increased audience engagement through pre-concert talks or post-concert discussions that provided context about the music being performed.

Co-Director

Hamilton Sings! Choir
08.2021 - 06.2022

While similar to other Assistantships, key differences include:

  • Supported reinvigoration of organization post-pandemic after near-bankruptcy; involved budget planning, season readjustment, and innovative fundraising ideas in collaboration with other Music Director and Board of Directors
  • Adaptability as Covid-19 Pandemic required online and socially-distanced participation; online workshops, Zoom meetings, and the like
  • Computer proficiency in delivering materials online and in maintaining organized, proactive, and prompt presence in a leadership role

Assistant Conductor

University Of Toronto Symphony Orchestra
09.2022 - Current

While similar to other Assistantships, key differences include:

  • Coordinated rehearsal schedules and communicated changes to the musicians, directly impacting efficiency and organization
  • Managed rehearsal logistics and organization of spaces, recording equipment, instrument use, sheet music (parts and scores), and the like
  • Resolved inquiries and issues promptly, maintaining an inspiring and music-focused environment
  • Facilitated communication between head conductor, musicians, and administrative staff
  • Management of social media page, addressing audience inquiries and ensuring positive concert / rehearsal experiences
  • Assisted with setup and breakdown of rehearsal and performance spaces

Private Music Teacher

Long & McQuade / Sunshine Music / Self-Employed
02.2018 - Current
  • Teaching individual and group lessons
  • Maintenance of 40+ student music studio, with significant waitlist of 20+ students (endearingly nicknamed the "Mary Poppins" of Teaching)
  • Single-handed organization of individual curricula for 40+ students, preparation for Royal Conservatory exams, university entrance exams and auditions, festival competitions, bi-yearly recitals during Covid-19 Pandemic
  • Flexibility and adaptability crucial especially during Covid-19 Pandemic; e.g. online recital footage capture then editing & premiering
  • Individualized notes given to parents after each lesson for each individual student
  • Programming recitals and organizing rehearsal / performance space
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Facilitated communication with parents through weekly post-lesson parent-teacher conferences; dealing with conflict resolution and expectation management between student, teacher, and parent
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with specific learning needs, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Inspired passion for music in students by sharing personal experiences as a professional musician and performer.
  • Incorporated ear training exercises into lessons, resulting in stronger listening skills that improved overall musicianship.
  • Cultivated an inclusive environment where all learners felt welcomed and supported in their pursuit of musical excellence.
  • Studied and maintained up-to-date knowledge and awareness of testing requirements to prepare students for examinations.

Conductor's Assistant

Toronto Children's Chorus
08.2022 - 07.2023
  • Management of rehearsal scheduling, space setup and takedown, coordination of student affairs in Junior Choir
  • Collection of music, theory work, and other necessary forms (sick forms, absence forms, etc.)
  • Often leading sections of rehearsal without notice; necessity to be highly adaptable and flexible
  • Responsible for documentation of student attendance and seating
  • Direct support for the Artistic Director and Head Conductors, in order to facilitate a productive and engaging rehearsal and concert experience for all involved
  • Excellent rapport with parents, answering questions, providing tours of spaces, organizing meal planning for special events, and the like

Assistant Conductor

Pax Christi Chorale
09.2022 - 06.2023

While similar to other Assistantships, key differences include:

  • Increased collaboration with external artists, increased event planning and organization: e.g. "Children's Messiah" program in collaboration with student-led orchestra, Sinfonietta Aionia, in benefit of food bank at Church of the Redeemer
  • Incredible success of collaborations and their management, leading to repeat events or added concert times
  • Strengthened community connections through participation in local events or partnerships with other arts organizations.
  • Contributed to educational outreach initiatives by assisting with youth orchestra programs or conducting masterclasses for aspiring conductors, particularly in North Toronto & Markham
  • Collaborated with the conductor to plan and execute successful concerts, ensuring seamless transitions between pieces.
  • Encouraged diversity within the orchestra by advocating for underrepresented composers'' works in programming decisions and supporting inclusive hiring practices, such as Srul Irving Glick
  • In dialogue with Board of Directors' expectations and audience preferences alongside artistic director

Education

D.M.A., Orchestral Conducting -

University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
06.2028

MMus., Orchestral Conducting -

University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
06.2024

BMus., Composition & Piano Performance -

University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
06.2017

Skills

  • Customer Service & Conflict Resolution
  • Administration & Logistical Planning
  • Event Planning
  • Leadership & Initiative / Proactivity
  • Advertising & Marketing (Individual & Events)
  • Critical Thinking & Research
  • High-Level Writing and Speaking Abilities
  • Document Organization (Physical & Virtual)
  • Fundraising Abilities
  • Content Creation
  • Computer Proficiency
  • Program Planning
  • Ensemble Management & Scheduling
  • Rehearsal Techniques & Time Management (Self-Guided and Managed)
  • Instrument & Conducting Knowledge

Accomplishments

  • University of Toronto Graduate Fellowship
  • 2023 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada CGS-M Award Recipient
  • Rhodes Scholarship Nomination (UToronto)
  • Monika Ryckman Scholarship for Undergraduate Excellence
  • Ben McPeek Scholarship for Undergraduate Excellence
  • David and Marcia Beach Summer Study Award

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working

Additional Information

Other Community Experiences Include:

  • 2023 RBC Canadian Conductor Showcase: Invited Participant
  • Faculty of Music, Music Library: Blog Post Contributor
  • Dynamic, A Publication of Choirs Ontario: Music Editorial Writer
  • Carlton University, Faculty of Music: Invited Annual Research Conference Presenter
  • Oakville Symphony: Pianist & Assistant Conductor (Select Concerts)
  • Orchestra Toronto: Featured Apprentice Conductor
  • Navona Records: Recording Artist

Timeline

Assistant Conductor

National Academy Orchestra Of Canada
05.2024 - Current

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University Of Toronto
09.2022 - Current

Assistant Conductor

University Of Toronto Symphony Orchestra
09.2022 - Current

Assistant Conductor

Pax Christi Chorale
09.2022 - 06.2023

Conductor's Assistant

Toronto Children's Chorus
08.2022 - 07.2023

Co-Director

Hamilton Sings! Choir
08.2021 - 06.2022

Co-Founder, Co-Director

Sinfonietta Aionia
03.2020 - Current

Private Music Teacher

Long & McQuade / Sunshine Music / Self-Employed
02.2018 - Current

D.M.A., Orchestral Conducting -

University of Toronto

MMus., Orchestral Conducting -

University of Toronto

BMus., Composition & Piano Performance -

University of Toronto
Emma Colette Moss