Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Goulazian.
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been performing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always putting on elaborate shows in my living room, forcing my brothers to be my backup dancers and making my family watch. My parents have endless home videos of my wild, over-the-top productions—it was clear from the start that performing was in my blood.
In elementary school, I remember I auditioned for the school play and got a part. I was shy in every other way, so it shocked everyone when I got on stage and found my voice. That moment led me to a well known voice teacher in the area and set me on a path that would define my life.
Singing and theatre became my world, and I pursued them all the way through earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Rider University. My mentors shaped me not only as an artist but as a person, inspiring me to do the same for others. That’s how Emily’s Music Studio was born—a place where students can find their voices and gain the confidence to shine.
Today, I teach and mentor students of all ages while also performing around New York in cabaret venues, jazz clubs, and piano bars. My goal has always been to create spaces—onstage and in the studio—where creativity, passion, and connection can thrive. Music changed my life, and I love helping others discover that same joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been a straight path, but every twist has led me to where I am today. I graduated in 2021, right in the middle of COVID, when the performing arts industry was still recovering. Opportunities were scarce, but I was fortunate to sign with an agent right out of school. I quickly learned that putting myself out there—saying yes to gigs, making connections, and staying persistent—was the only way to get my career off the ground in such an uncertain time.
After I graduated, I landed a job that summer as a dueling pianist on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. At the time, piano and dueling pianos weren’t really on my radar, but that experience ended up shaping my career in ways I never expected. When I moved to NYC in 2022, I found that dueling pianos became one of my biggest opportunities. I secured a weekly dueling piano show and began hosting piano bar gigs across the city, while also performing in cabarets, jazz clubs, and various nightlife venues.
After a year of juggling performances and side jobs, I wanted more stability and control over my career. That led me to launch Emily’s Music Studio, which started with virtual voice lessons and quickly grew into a full-fledged business with a team of teachers. Building my own company required me to learn marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship on top of my craft, but it gave me the independence I had been searching for.
A few things I’ve learned along the way:
• A creative career isn’t one-size-fits-all—sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you don’t expect.
• Putting yourself out there is key; no one will hand you a career, but persistence opens doors.
• As a woman in the industry, owning my business has been empowering, giving me the freedom to create my own opportunities.
The road hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it. Every challenge and unexpected turn has led me to a career I truly love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a performer, voice teacher, and business owner, blending my passion for music with my love for mentoring others. I specialize in vocal training, performance coaching, and helping artists find their unique voices—whether they’re pursuing professional careers or simply looking to build confidence.
Through Emily’s Music Studio, I provide personalized training in voice, acting, and musicianship, offering private lessons, group classes, and mentorship programs. What sets my studio apart is its holistic approach—I don’t just focus on technique, but on storytelling, authenticity, and helping students develop the confidence to be seen and heard. Many of my students have signed with agents, booked incredible jobs, and, most importantly, discovered a belief in themselves that extends beyond the stage.
As a performer, I’m known for my versatility, regularly performing in cabaret venues, jazz clubs, and piano bars around New York. My background in musical theatre and dueling pianos has shaped my style, allowing me to blend technical skill with deep emotional connection. To me, the best artists are the ones who can authentically share intimate parts of themselves. When the performer is truly seen, the audience feels seen. That’s what I strive for every time I step on stage—to create a moment that’s not just entertaining, but deeply connective.
One of the things I’m most proud of is building a full-time creative career that’s both fulfilling and sustainable. There’s a common belief that artists have to struggle financially or wait for opportunities—I’ve learned that by taking control of your career, being adaptable, and creating your own path, you can build something truly lasting.
At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s performing, teaching, or coaching—is the belief that music and storytelling have the power to transform. My goal is to help others discover that magic for themselves.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry shifting toward a greater emphasis on individuality, authenticity, and connection. With so many talented people out there, it can feel overwhelming, but I truly believe there’s space for everyone. The artists who stand out aren’t just the most technically skilled—they’re the ones who bring something unique and honest to the table. I hope we continue to celebrate creatives who share their stories in a real, intimate way.
I also love seeing how musical theatre is evolving, incorporating more contemporary styles like pop, rock, and folk. The traditional “Broadway sound” is expanding, making room for new works that feel fresh and relevant. I hope we continue to champion original stories that truly move people.
Beyond performance, I also see a shift in how artists navigate their careers. More and more performers are realizing they don’t have to wait for permission to create opportunities for themselves. I hope this sense of empowerment becomes a bigger part of theatre education—yes, a lot of it has to be learned through experience, but having access to the right tools and knowledge early on can make all the difference.
Ultimately, I hope the next decade brings an industry that values not just talent, but authenticity, innovation, and self-sufficiency—where artists feel seen, supported, and inspired to carve their own paths.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour Voice Lesson: $110
- 30 Minute Coaching Session: $60
- Bronze (Package of 4): $390
- Silver (Package of 6): $560
- Gold (Package of 8): $720
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilygoulazian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygoulazian
- Other: MUSIC STUDIO INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emilys.musicstudio/; MUSIC STUDIO WEBSITE: https://emilysmusicstudio.com; TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.goulazian