By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Fifteen-year-old Mount Pearl resident Emma Nev-ille cried when she learned she had won a Conservato-ry Canada award for sing-ing.
Neville scored 91.7 per cent in her examination, placing her in the top spot for Level 6 contemporary idolism voice in New-foundland and Labrador.
“It was crazy, I was like, ‘Are you sure it’s the right person?’” she said.
Having been singing for years, Neville began Con-servatory Canada examina-tions during the pandemic, finding the challenge ben-eficial to her practice, with constructive criticism com-ing from the adjudicators.
This is the first year she has won an award with the organization.
“I honestly think anyone who has any kind of musi-cal talent should look into them, because they are re-ally beneficial,” she said of the Conservatory.
Neville plans to pursue music after graduating high school, and is propelled in that direction by her en-gagement with the conser-vatory examinations.
With a penchant for musical theater, pop and country, Neville gravitates towards the contemporary category of the conservato-ry’s examinations, as it en-compasses many different styles that she is passionate about.
Her repertoire this year consisted of “I Give My Life for You” from the musical Miss Saigon, “I’m With You” by Avril Lavgine, “Pulled” from the Addams Family musical, “Only Hope” by Mandy Moore, and “Come to Your Senses” from the musical Tick Tick Boom.
Neville credits her life-long voice teacher Justin Goulding for fostering her passion for voice.
“I think if we didn't have the relationship that we have, I don't think I would have had the same dedica-tion to it that I do now, and I think that's really, really special,” she said.
From her first voice lesson with Goulding at 10-years-old, Neville said, she knew singing was something she wanted to do and he’s constantly pushed her limits since then.
“He really opened my eyes to the abundance of opportunities that I could potentially have in music,” she said.
Aside from her parents, Neville considers her nan as her number-one support-er, whom she credits with instilling her love of music at a young age through pia- no lessons.
“She always tells me to dream big and now I under-stand why,” said Neville.
Surprised as she is at her own success, she wants people to recognize their own dreams and go for it, whatever they are.
“They’re never not val-id,” said Neville. “I think keeping your mind set on your goals and dreams no matter what is the most im- portant thing.”
Emma Neville is seen here during a voice performance at New Gower Street Church. The Mount Pearl teenager recently won accolades from the Conservatory of Canada. Amongst her repertoire for next year’s examinations are "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” by Gladys Knight, and "The Girl in 14G" by Kristin Chenoweth.
