Emily Howes Heilman

Dr. Emily Howes Heilman serves as Assistant Professor of Voice in the School of Music at Sam Houston State University, where she joined the faculty in fall 2018. Her primary affiliation resides within the Voice division of the School of Music.

Her academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Music (DM) in Voice Performance from Florida State University (2018), studying under Shirley Close and Marcy Stonikas
• Master of Music (MM) in Voice Performance from University of Louisville
• Bachelor of Music (BM) in Voice Performance from University of Louisville, studying with Edith Davis Tidwell

Dr. Heilman specializes in contemporary vocal repertoire with particular focus on premiering works by living composers. Her research centers on modern art song cycles including Peter Lieberson’s Neruda Songs and Rilke Songs, which formed the basis of her doctoral thesis. She actively collaborates with composers to expand the mezzo-soprano repertoire through world premieres at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and university new music festivals.

Her notable performance awards and recognitions include:

• Edith S. Joel Opera scholarship
• Glenys Gallaher Award
• Hannah J. Beaulieu Competition
• 2014 concerto competition winner for Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen

Dr. Heilman maintains an active performance career balancing academic responsibilities with professional engagements. She has covered principal roles at Chautauqua Opera and premiered works by Laura Kaminsky, Philip Glass, and emerging composers through Thompson Street Opera. Her repertoire spans from Baroque opera to cutting-edge contemporary works, demonstrating exceptional versatility across historical periods and vocal demands.