Meet Emily Metcalf: Voice, Piano, and Brass Teacher in Gallatin TN | Keen School of Music

Emily Metcalf is a multi-instrumentalist and teacher at Keen School of Music in Gallatin TN. Emily has been playing music for over twenty years, specializing in brass instruments, vocal performance, and everything in between. Being the daughter of two professional music teachers, Emily strives to carry on her parents' legacy by fostering the next generation of musicians. Our intern, Lex Bogs, sat down with Emily to tell you a little more about who she is behind the scenes.

For families looking for a Brass Teacher in Gallatin TN, a French Horn Teacher in Gallatin TN, or a Voice Teacher in Gallatin TN, Emily brings experience, warmth, creativity, and a teaching style that meets students where they are.

A Teacher Who Grew Up Surrounded by Music

Emily’s love of teaching started early. She grew up with two professional musicians who also taught lessons, which means music was not just something she practiced. It was part of the rhythm of her home.

For Emily, teaching music feels like a way to honor her family and the teachers who shaped her.

As Emily shares:

“Also, I grew up with 2 professional musicians who taught lessons. I feel like I'm making my parents proud by helping foster the next generation of musicians. You can see my dad's crazy instrument sculpture in the nest (upstairs classroom).”

That kind of musical foundation shows up in the way Emily works with students. She understands that lessons are about more than getting the right answer or playing the right note. They are about building confidence, curiosity, and trust over time.

For parents searching for a music teacher in Gallatin TN, that matters. Students often learn best when they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to keep trying.

Why Emily Teaches Music

Emily’s reason for teaching is deeply personal.

About a year before joining Keen School of Music, Emily found out that her very first voice teacher had passed away. That teacher had a lasting impact on her, not only as a musician, but as a person.

Emily says:

“A year ago, just before my husband found his old friend Aaron, who started a music school, I found out my very first voice teacher had passed away. This man looked and acted like Santa until he was behind a piano. He taught me so much about music and theory and was there for me through some big changes in my childhood. That stability and fostering of curiosity is what I hope I bring to all my students.”

Emily knows how powerful it can be for a student to have a steady, encouraging adult in their life. She knows that music lessons can become a place where students feel safe to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.

This is especially meaningful for parents searching for a Voice Teacher in Gallatin TN. Voice lessons can feel vulnerable for students because their voice is part of them. Emily brings a calm, supportive presence that helps students build confidence while learning proper vocal technique.

Emily’s Musical Background

Emily is a true multi-instrumentalist. She specializes in brass instruments and vocal performance, but her musical life stretches across many styles, instruments, and settings.

When asked about her favorite instrument, Emily says:

“My French horn is my baby. I love playing in the Cedar Creek Community Band and the gorgeous sound that classical horns can make.”

For students looking for a French Horn Teacher in Gallatin TN, Emily offers the kind of experience that comes from both training and real performance. She understands the patience, breath support, tone control, and confidence it takes to play the French horn well.

She also teaches brass more broadly, making her a strong fit for families looking for a Brass Teacher in Gallatin TN who can support students as they build technique and musical understanding.

Because Emily also teaches voice and piano, she brings a wide musical perspective into every lesson. She can help students see how music connects across instruments, styles, and performance settings. This versatilty matters because many students are still discovering what they love. They may start with piano and become curious about voice. They may play brass at school and want extra support outside of band class. They may simply need a teacher who can help them connect the dots.

The Music Emily Loves

One of the best parts of getting to know a teacher is learning what they love outside of lessons.

When asked about her top three musical genres, Emily says:

“In another life, I'm on Broadway, so musicals are always a joy, and then classical (or EDM remakes of classics) is a must for doing chores. I also enjoy Lo-Fi, which I keep on jazzy versions every day at work.”

That answer tells you a lot about Emily’s range. This versatility means lessons do not have to stay in one lane. A student can learn technique while still exploring music that feels exciting and personal to them.

For families searching for voice lessons in Gallatin TN, Emily’s love of musical theater can be especially encouraging for students who dream of singing Broadway songs or building confidence on stage.

A Teaching Style Built Around the Student

One of the things that makes Emily’s teaching style special is her ability to work with different learning styles and skill levels.

Before joining Keen School of Music, Emily worked in ABA therapy at JoyBridge Kids, where she supported children with different learning needs. Her degree in clinical psychology also shaped the way she approaches teaching.

Emily says:

“When I first joined as a teacher, I was teaching ABA therapy at Joybridge Kids and got to foster several different learning styles, helping young children get ready to go to school for the first time. Besides that, my degree in clinical psychology fosters a love of finding solutions to help each individual who comes to take lessons with me.”

For Emily, every student is an individual.

That means she does not expect every child to learn the same way, respond to the same explanation, or move at the same pace. Some students need structure. Some need extra encouragement. Some need movement, visuals, repetition, humor, or time to process.

Emily pays attention to those differences and adjusts her approach so students can feel successful.

What Students Can Expect in Voice Lessons with Emily - Brass Teacher in Gallatin TN

For voice students, Emily focuses on helping singers understand their whole instrument, not just the sound coming out.

She reminds students that the body is part of the instrument. Before singing, students need to warm up their voice and their body so they can sing safely, confidently, and with better control.

Emily explains:

“The type of lesson I teach the most is music, so I'll talk about those. It's important as a singer to warm up your voice and your body, the instrument body where your vocal cords make the sound. Fostering good diaphragmatic breath before singing helps warm up the body, followed by a variety of scales and vocal warm-ups. I vary it day by day to keep it interesting, but I make sure to hit these things: vowel placement, emphasized consonants (tongue twisters are a great way to do this!) Range stretching and long tones/stamina.”

Emily’s voice lessons are not just about singing louder or hitting notes, they are about helping students understand how their voice works and how to use it with confidence.

Students may work on musical theater, classical pieces, contemporary songs, or music that fits their goals and interests. Emily keeps lessons structured enough to build skill, but flexible enough to stay engaging. Learn more about what to expect from your first lesson at Keen School of Music.

Emily’s Advice for Students

When asked what advice she would give students about performing and practicing, Emily keeps it direct and encouraging.

She says:

“Just do it. Jump in, get messy, make mistakes, and listen to others when they give you advice. All feedback is good feedback if you take it as a stepping stone to growth. Celebrate your wins, learn from your losses, and never stop trying to learn.”

That advice may sound simple, but it is exactly what many young musicians need to hear.

Students often think they have to be good before they try, but music does not work that way.

• You get better because you try.

• You learn because you make mistakes.

• You grow because you keep showing up.

Emily encourages students to treat feedback as a stepping stone, not as a failure. That kind of mindset can change the way a student feels about music. Instead of being afraid to mess up, they learn that mistakes are part of the process.

The Creative Side of Emily

Emily’s creativity goes far beyond music.

When asked if she has any hidden talents, Emily says:

“I'm a baker and cake decorator, I'm proud of my visual artwork, and I pick up new instruments quickly.”

That mix of creativity shows up in her teaching too.

A teacher who creates in multiple ways often brings more imagination into lessons. Emily understands that students may connect with music through sound, visuals, movement, storytelling, or hands-on experimenting.

Her ability to pick up new instruments quickly also gives her a flexible, curious approach. She knows what it feels like to learn something new, and that helps her support students who are still finding their confidence.

What Brought Emily to Keen School of Music?

Sometimes, the best opportunities happen in the most natural way.

When asked what brought her to Keen School of Music, Emily says:

“Luck. My husband wants to support friends from his past. He literally took a drum lesson for an hour, and when he came out, Kk and I were finalizing my work schedule.”

We are very glad that drum lesson happened.

Now, Emily is part of the Keen School of Music teaching team, where she supports students in voice, brass, French horn, piano, and more.

For families looking for a Brass Teacher in Gallatin TN, French Horn Teacher in Gallatin TN, or Voice Teacher in Gallatin TN, Emily brings a rare mix of experience, patience, creativity, and heart.

Meet Emily at Keen School of Music

Emily understands music as both a skill and a relationship. She knows how much a great teacher can mean to a student because she had those teachers herself.

Now she gets to be that steady, encouraging person for the next generation of musicians.

At Keen School of Music, we are so grateful to have Emily on our team and cannot wait for more families to get to know her.

If your child is interested in voice, brass, French horn, piano, or simply needs a patient teacher who can meet them where they are, Emily may be a wonderful fit.

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FAQs About Emily Metcalf and Music Lessons at Keen School of Music

Does Emily Metcalf teach voice lessons in Gallatin TN?

Yes. Emily teaches voice lessons at Keen School of Music and is a great fit for students looking for a Voice Teacher in Gallatin TN who is encouraging, knowledgeable, and experienced in vocal performance.

Does Emily teach brass lessons in Gallatin TN?

Yes. Emily teaches brass instruments and works with students who want to improve their tone, technique, confidence, and musical understanding. She is a strong option for families searching for a Brass Teacher in Gallatin TN.

Can Emily teach French horn lessons in Gallatin TN?

Yes. Emily specializes in French horn and loves helping students grow on the instrument. Families looking for a French Horn Teacher in Gallatin TN can find that support at Keen School of Music.

Does Emily work with students who have different learning styles?

Yes. Emily’s background in ABA therapy and clinical psychology helps her adapt lessons to each student’s learning style, skill level, and personality. Emily has experience working with special needs students in the Gallatin Area.

What is Emily’s teaching style like?

Emily’s teaching style is warm, flexible, and student-centered. She encourages students to make mistakes, listen to feedback, celebrate progress, and keep growing as musicians.