Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Koh
Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with music started with playing the double bass in the Dunman High School Chinese Orchestra in Singapore. I was an eager student, but I quickly realized that the bass didn’t have as much exciting repertoire compared to other instruments. So, I started arranging pieces meant for other instruments just so I’d have more to play. That worked for a while, but eventually, arranging wasn’t enough—I wanted to create my own music instead of just adapting what was already out there.
When it was time for college, I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory at the National University of Singapore. There, I found myself surrounded by fellow music nerds from all over the world. Instead of just composing for myself, I started writing for my friends, which made the whole process even more rewarding. It was a safe and supportive environment to experiment, share ideas, and grow as a composer. Writing music became more than just something I did—it became a way to express myself, it became my voice.
That love for composing eventually led me to the U.S., where I pursued graduate studies at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and later at Brandeis University. Here, my work started getting performed by musicians outside of my friend circle, and at various festivals and conferences. My work was starting to get recognized with awards, grants and commissions, and I am thankful for all these opportunities to share what I do.
The more I composed, the more confident I became in stepping outside my comfort zone. Over time, I started incorporating other art forms into my work, which opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Collaborating with other artists—whether musicians, dancers, or visual artists—became an essential and inspiring part of my process. There’s something special about working with others, where the final piece is greater than the sum of its parts. This spirit of collaboration still drives my work today, and I am always on the lookout for the next collaborative opportunity!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path of a musician is never a straightforward one. Unlike more traditional careers, there is no predefined route to follow—each musician must carve out their own journey. While there may be role models to look up to, success in music is a delicate balance of dedication, timing, and a touch of serendipity. The road is filled with countless crossroads, each leading to new and unexpected possibilities. This unpredictability, though daunting to some, is what makes the journey so exhilarating.
Rather than seeing uncertainty as an obstacle, I embrace it as a source of inspiration. Each day unfolds with the promise of the unknown, and I find immense joy in surrendering to the spontaneity of it all. I live fully in the present, open to wherever life—and music—chooses to take me.
Artistic pursuits often exist outside the conventional paths that many people understand, making it difficult to explain not just what I do, but why I do it. Music is more than a career—it’s a way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. Yet, translating that passion to those who see success in more structured terms can be a challenge.
I hope that one day my family will truly understand why I chose this path—the deep fulfillment that comes from creating, the joy of collaboration, and the necessity of expressing what words alone cannot. Until then, I continue forward, driven by the belief that art, though sometimes misunderstood, holds undeniable value. It shapes the way we see and feel, connects us across cultures and time, and gives meaning to the moments in between. And that, to me, makes it a path worth walking, no matter how uncertain.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a composer, but more broadly, I see myself as a curious and creative human constantly exploring new ways of making music. My work is deeply rooted in microtonality, and I’m particularly known for my compositions for microtonal saxophones. Many people may recognize my work from my album [word]plays, released on Innova Recordings, which delves into the expressive possibilities of microtonal tuning. Currently, I’m working on another album featuring microtonal saxophones alongside other instruments, set for release in 2026.
Collaboration is a huge part of my artistic identity. I love working across disciplines, bringing together different styles, sounds, and creative perspectives to push the boundaries of what music can be. Beyond composition, I’m also engaged in instrument design and technological innovation. Recently, I was part of the team that developed ModuMIDI, a modular MIDI controller designed to make microtonal composition more accessible. This project received a Judges’ Commendation at the 2025 Guthman Music Instrument Competition, and I’m excited to continue refining it with the hope that more musicians can explore the vast world of microtonality with greater ease.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Stay curious about the world around you—listen, observe, and embrace the unknown. Don’t be afraid to explore, ask questions, or reach out to others. Some of the most rewarding opportunities come from unexpected places, and uncertainty can often lead to the most exciting discoveries.
If there’s one thing I wish I had known earlier, it’s that there is no singular “right” path. When I was younger, I spent too much time measuring my choices against other people’s definitions of success. But the truth is, success looks different for everyone. The sooner you let go of external expectations and define your own path, the more fulfilling your journey will be.
So take risks, trust your instincts, and above all—stay true to yourself. You do you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https//www.emilykoh.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emykoh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emykoh
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emykoh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/emykoh
