Behind the Scenes With Emily Verschoor-Kirss

Collaborative saxophonist Emily Verschoor-Kirss is breaking barriers in the male-dominated music industry with her success as a professional musician and teacher. She holds a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College. She's set to serve as Adjunct Professor in the music department at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) starting this fall.

Emily grew up in a musical family as the youngest of three children and discovered jazz music at an early age by watching her brothers play trumpet. This sparked her interest in music and saxophone, creating the devotion that she holds for the instrument and music genre today. Outside of teaching, Emily plays with local jazz groups and big bands, as well as with her own jazz combo.

She is extremely passionate about empowering and hiring women and hopes her role as a female saxophonist will inspire young girls to follow in her footsteps. At the very least, she wants to let little girls with big dreams not be afraid to chase them.

When Emily isn't jazzin' it up at gigs, she participates in ultramarathons. Together with other local runners, she trains and races throughout Middle Tennessee. During her time in graduate school, she spent many hours alone in practice rooms and became interested in running as a way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Her interest in rock climbing has also given her something to enjoy besides music.

Watch Emily's interview below, where she talks about finding success as a female musician, the wonderful support system she has and how she hopes people will be more intentional about giving women the opportunities they desire and are equipped to conquer.

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