Emily Williams
Cedarville University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
A 2004 graduate of Cedarville University, violinist Emily (Plate) Williams entered Cedarville to pursue a degree in performance with the goal of playing in a professional orchestra and teaching private string students. “My time at Cedarville was foundational to my career. I was given the academic and performance skills I needed to meet my goals, and the faculty gave of their time and expertise beyond the required classroom curriculum to prepare me for future success.”
The education Williams received at Cedarville allowed her to continue her education with graduate studies on assistantship to the University of Akron where she graduated in 2007 with a Master of Music degree in violin performance.
Williams plays with the Mississippi Symphony, teaches 20+ violin students out of her home, and teaches private violin and string methods classes for Mississippi College. “My college students routinely hear how their academic music classes apply to what they’re studying with me. I integrate those same things into my studio teaching.”
One of Williams’ passions is violin pedagogy. She not only teaches, but instructs others how to teach. She recently co-authored a book (The Beginning Violinist) with her husband, composer Dr. Benjamin Williams, offering a new approach to teaching beginning string players. She offers professional coaching sessions through her website and at local seminars.
Whether in the classroom or outside of it Williams desires to live and teach a Biblical worldview. “I don’t consider my career my ministry. As a follower of Christ, my life is my ministry. The Christian life is not something we step in and out of like a professional persona. It’s who we are and what we do 24/7.”
Williams currently resides in Clinton, MS with her husband and three cats. She and her husband attend First Baptist Church Jackson where they are active members of the choir. In addition they co-teach an adult Sunday school class, creating their own weekly studies. Emily (Plate) Williams ‘0
