Emily Gervase is an accomplished conductor, educator, and violinist. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a concentration in Violin and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from SUNY Fredonia.

As conductor of the Southtowns Youth Orchestra since 2022, Emily has helped shape the musical growth of hundreds of student musicians through dynamic rehearsals, challenging repertoire, and meaningful performance experiences. In addition to her work with the Southtowns Youth Orchestra, she has served as a guest conductor with numerous school music programs throughout Western New York and has conducted many NYSSMA All-County and festival ensembles, earning recognition for her engaging rehearsal style and commitment to student development.

Prior to focusing on conducting and private instruction, Emily spent seven years as a public school orchestra director, where she built successful string programs and fostered a lifelong love of music in her students. Her educational philosophy emphasizes artistic growth, collaboration, discipline, and confidence, helping young musicians reach their fullest potential both on and off the stage.

Alongside her work as a conductor, Emily remains active as a violinist and educator. She has performed with several ensembles throughout Western New York, including serving as concertmaster of the Southern Tier Symphony Orchestra.

Emily is also the co-owner and founder of Southtowns Music Center, a community music school dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized music instruction for students of all ages and abilities. Under her leadership, the center has grown into a vibrant musical home for families throughout the Southtowns, offering private lessons, group classes, ensemble experiences, and educational programs that inspire a lifelong love of music. Through Southtowns Music Center, Emily continues her commitment to fostering musical excellence while creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, perform, and thrive.

Emily is deeply grateful for the support of her family, with whom she resides in Boston, New York—her husband, Joe, and their three children, Nicolina, Giovanna, and Rocco. She is especially thankful to continue the legacy of her father, who founded the Southtowns Youth Orchestra more than 40 years ago. Having grown up in the organization and witnessing its impact on generations of young musicians, Emily considers it a tremendous privilege to carry forward his vision and help guide the orchestra into its next chapter.