Great musicianship begins with great instruction, and Em is a perfect example of just that. A passionate guitar instructor at School of Rock Princeton, Em encourages students to explore their creativity and brings a warm and welcoming energy to every lesson.

We chatted with Em about her influences, experiences, and advice for student musicians picking up the guitar for the first time.

Was there a particular song, artist, or performance that made you want to learn the GUITAR?

I remember coming across Metallica’s iconic performance at Woodstock 1999, especially their performance of “Nothing Else Matters.” From that moment on, I made it my very mission to learn that song. I still remember how long it took me to learn just that one song, but looking back, I’m grateful for how difficult it was because it opened the door to so many other musical influences that have shaped the way I play today. That one song became the beginning of a much bigger relationship with music, and many of those influences are still artists and sounds that I cherish today.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice when you first started playing, what would it be?

I would tell myself that consistency is more important than perfection. It’s okay to struggle, make mistakes, or feel like you’re not progressing as quickly as you want to. What matters is continuing to show up. I think growing up I spent a lot of time comparing myself to other musicians and worrying about how good I was instead of appreciating the process of becoming better. Learning an instrument is a journey, and I wish I had understood earlier that you don’t have to be great immediately to be proud of yourself. You just have to keep showing up.

If a student is nervous or has never played before, what would you tell them before their first lesson?

I would tell them that it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed or nervous. Learning something new can be intimidating, especially when you’re holding an instrument for the first time and everything feels so unfamiliar. But that first lesson is also the beginning of something really special. You don’t have to know anything before you walk through the door, that is what lessons are for. I’d want them to know that they’re not there to be perfect players but rather they’re there to learn, explore, and most importantly have fun. Everyone starts somewhere, and there’s something really rewarding about looking back one day and realizing how far you’ve come.

What is the biggest mistake people make when learning the GUITAR?

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on being amazing right away instead of learning how to enjoy the process. It’s so easy to become frustrated when something doesn’t sound right or when you compare yourself to someone who has been playing for years. But struggling is what comes with learning something new. I also think people sometimes underestimate the importance of consistency. You don’t need to practice for hours every day, you just need to keep coming back to it. Progress can be slow and almost invisible sometimes, but those small improvements eventually do add up.

What’s the most rewarding part of teaching at School of Rock Princeton?

The most rewarding part of teaching at School of Rock is watching something finally click for a student. There’s a moment when you can see that they’ve gone from struggling with something to genuinely understanding it, and being able to witness that progress is something really special. I also love the relationships you build with students over time. You get to watch them grow not only as musicians, but as people, and it’s incredibly rewarding and special to know that you played even a small part in their journey.

If you could have every student master one skill beyond music, what would it be?

I would want every student to learn how to believe in themselves and be comfortable with where they are in their own learning process. I think that’s a skill that extends far beyond music. Being willing to try something new, make mistakes, and keep going even when you’re not immediately good at it is something that can change the way you approach life. Music teaches you that progress doesn’t happen overnight, and I think learning to be patient with yourself is one of the most valuable things you can take away from it.

What do you hope students take away from their time with you at School of Rock?

More than anything, I hope they leave with a genuine love and appreciation for music, but also with something that stays with them beyond the lessons. I hope they learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, that progress takes time, and that there’s value in staying committed to something even when it gets difficult.

Ready to start your musical journey?
Em is currently accepting new students at School of Rock Princeton. Whether you're a complete beginner or ready to refine your skills, book your first lesson today and discover what you can achieve on stage.