Emily Shelley is an educator, administrator, and performing musician whose career blends a passion for music with a deep commitment to expanding access to arts education. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Emily moved to Cleveland in 2010 to pursue a Masters of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, building on her undergraduate training at the University of Toronto. Her time in Cleveland fostered not only her love of performing, but also sparked her interest in nonprofit arts administration and community engagement.

Since 2018, Emily has been a key member of the Piano Cleveland team, where she has played a central role in designing and managing innovative educational programs. Her work focuses on providing fun, engaging, and high-quality musical opportunities for students, as well as ensuring equitable access to music education for all who wish to learn. Emily’s leadership has helped strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and fellow educators throughout Northeast Ohio, advancing Piano Cleveland’s mission to make music accessible and inspiring to diverse audiences.

In addition to her administrative and educational work, Emily maintains an active performing career. She regularly appears with orchestras and chamber ensembles in Cleveland and across surrounding states, bringing her artistry to both traditional concert settings and community-based performances. This dual perspective—as both a performer and an administrator—shapes her unique approach to music education and outreach, allowing her to bridge the gap between the stage and the classroom while fostering the next generation of musicians.