Emma Taggart, Piano
Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition Finalist
Our 2023 Third Place Winner
Can you reflect on your experience participating in the Mid-Atlantic Symphony's Concerto competition? How did it impact your musical journey?
Emma: The Mid-Atlantic Symphony’s Concerto Competition was truly a special experience. From the virtual first round to the excitement of coming to Easton for the finals, I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to present the concerto I was working on at the time, the Florence Price Piano Concerto, as it is not a widely performed piece. Knowing that Mr. Repper, the symphony’s conductor, had just won a Grammy for his recording of the concerto, I was even more excited (and a little more nervous!) Receiving his commentary afterward and having the chance to speak with him in person was invaluable, and it inspired me to dive into more of Florence Price’s piano works.
Additionally, the performance I gave at the Academy Art Museum following the competition was so incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable! I met so many wonderful people, and I had so many incredible conversations. All in all, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Concerto Competition was extremely impactful, and I am so glad I applied last year!
Since winning the competition, what musical projects or performances have you been involved in?
Emma: After entering the Florence Price Concerto in the competition, I received such great feedback from Mr. Repper that I studied the piece with even more dedication. A couple months later, I entered into the concerto competition at the Mannes School of Music, where I currently attend, and I was awarded first place. Performing with my friends and colleagues was such an incredible experience, and I will never forget it. A couple months later, I was also invited to play in another Mannes event at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. I have also presented a couple solo recitals since then, and I look forward to performing more in the greater New York area this year!
Winning this competition really inspired me to study more Florence Price! She is such an incredible composer, and I am glad that more and more people are experiencing her music. I have also been dedicated to the works of BIPOC and underrepresented composers, and there are so many hidden gems in her music that I have had lots of fun discovering!
Can you share any challenges you've faced in pursuing your musical career since winning the competition? How have you overcome them?
Emma: I think the challenges I’ve faced are the challenges that any musician a performing career faces. I have applied to many competitions and programs, and I have been faced with a lot of rejection, but it’s important to me to remember that winning competitions is not the goal of what I do. As long as I am able to share music with people in any capacity, it fulfills me.
How do you balance your musical pursuits with other aspects of your life, such as education or work?
Emma: I would say I am still searching for a good practice/social/work-life balance! I currently have 22 piano students, and I am still in school, so it is definitely difficult to fit it all in. I just try to stay as focused and prioritized as possible, and I remind myself every day that the quality of my practice matters more than the quantity. No matter how busy I am, however, I always try to take some time every day for myself, so that I don’t get too overwhelmed with everything there is to do.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering participating in similar competitions?
My advice to other musicians in the competition field would be to never give up! As cliche as it sounds, the piano world is so competitive, and rejections never mean that you are a bad piano player. The arts can be so subjective, and it is important not to judge yourself based on results or let those results define you. At the end of the day, it’s about the music, and sharing the music with people who enjoy it.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of your musical career?
Emma: My specific goals are to keep performing and teaching as much as I can. I will be starting grad school this fall with a piano performance major, and upon finishing that, I hope to find an agent in the New York area. Throughout all this, I would like to build my piano studio, since teaching is incredibly important to me.