Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Bachman.
Hi Emma, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Springfield, Illinois, to my mother, Pamela, and raised by both her and my great-grandmother, Hazel Crain. From a young age, my grandmother nurtured my love of music — from singing lessons to living room performances and summers spent at performing arts camps.
When my mom married my stepfather Don, our family grew from three to seven! I’ve always been drawn to performing. I grew up watching Glee, collecting every Broadway recording I could get my hands on, and practicing dance in the kitchen long after everyone else had gone to bed. By high school, I found my way into show choir and musicals, where I truly felt at home.
After graduation, I juggled community college full-time, nannying, and community theater. I studied under Laurie Lewis-Fritz at Lincoln Land Community College — the first person to truly push me beyond my own limitations. Those three years taught me the importance of giving back to my community through music.
In 2021, I transferred to Western Illinois University and earned my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2023. That same summer, I was one of just 16 singers accepted into the OperArezzo program in Arezzo, Italy. It was the first time I thought, Wow — I really worked for this. Being in Italy deepened both my passion for opera and my personal wellness. A trip to Vienna sealed the deal, I walked the streets filled with history and knew I wanted to dedicate myself to this art form.
Later that year, I began graduate school at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. I never imagined I’d make it this far — let alone with strong grades. That first year was incredibly challenging. I had to level up in every area: organization, writing, musicianship. I also experienced deep personal loss. My great-grandmother passed in November, just before the end of my first semester. Not long after, I lost Laurie, my first voice teacher, to cancer. Both of these women were monumental in shaping who I am, and I carry their influence with me every day.
During this time, I began working as the music director at The Arts Alliance in Pleasant View, TN. I built and led a growing voice studio and helped open our productions to include members of the broader community — bringing the magic of theater to rural areas that don’t always have access to it.
The summer of 2024 took me to the Adirondacks, where I served as a music director at Point O’ Pines Camp in New York. I honed my leadership skills, fostered musical confidence in campers, and spent every day immersed in music and nature. That same summer, I competed at the NATS National Student Auditions as a semifinalist.
This past year has been one of incredible growth and opportunity. I won first place in both classical and musical theater at the Tennessee State NATS competition, and later placed at the Mid-South Regional. In December, I won the APSU Concerto Competition and performed two solo works with orchestra. I auditioned for the DMA program at Stony Brook University, placed in the top three at regionals, and competed in the Miss APSU Volunteer pageant — where I was named 3rd runner-up, Miss Congeniality, Best Interview, and Best Talent, earning over $1,000 in scholarships.
That led to an even bigger opportunity: being named Miss North Dakota Volunteer and competing at Miss Volunteer America Nationals. I also signed my first professional opera contract with Minneapolis Opera and was named a national semifinalist again for the 2025 NATS NSA in Philadelphia.
So how did I get here? A lot of hard work, discipline, and learning when to hold on and when to let go.
As I step into this next chapter, I’m embracing the possibilities. In August, I’ll be moving to Philadelphia to further my opera career and build my voice studio business. I’ll remain on the board at The Arts Alliance, where I hope to see our work continue to grow and serve the community for years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Born to a single mom I switched between various schools and living with my grandmother at a young age. It was difficult learning how to “fit” in every year . I also have always struggled with my weight, it’s not something I like to speak on as I don’t want it to interfere with how I’m precieved. Yet, the comments and actions I recieved from family members, peers, and role models— throughout my life, have affected me. I felt ashamed.
When I was 17 I was diagnosed with Bulima and struggled for around five years until I worked my way to recovery. This personal journey reshaped the way I show up for myself and others.
I feel I’ve always have had bumps in the road but they motivate me to move towards my best self— weather as a teacher, performer, or pageant queen.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a classical singer, vocal coach, and educator who is passionate about using mentorship and music to empower others.
I specialize in health informed vocal technique, helping singers build a voice that will last a lifetime— while supporting their confidence and wellness! I also work as a singer between opera, musical theater and contemporary Christian.
I feel I am most known for my ability to connect to an audience while portraying emotion. As well as my diligence in fostering growth, wellness, and resilience to those around me.
I am proud of how far I’ve come and the platform I’m building. I’ve been able to change my life around and give myself a long lasting work-ethic. Using this and my platform to share with others that they can reach their dreams too!
I feel what sets me apart is the culmination of everything I’ve been through— and how I chose to move forward. There are times still when I feel it may be easier to end here then keep going, but I will always more forward, that’s a promise I keep to myself!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Please feel free to reach out either through social media or my website! I offer performance coaching, health-informed vocal lessons, and solo performances for weddings and special events. I also present my signature talk, Confidence Through Action, which is perfect for schools, community centers, and youth programs.
If you’d like to support me feel free to check out my YouTube channel!
Pricing:
- Month of 30 minute private lessons is 100$ per month
- Learning packages, which come with recordings of your melodic line, warm ups to help challenging sections, and regular feedback. 20-120$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emmabachmansoprano.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.nadine_soprano?igsh=MWRybzZkcHJicGM1YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DiVwypshq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@emmabachman8315?si=CXE-E9LNo-1jgOXU
