Simone McGaw EvansArtist Affiliate: Voice / Communications Specialist

• Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance; minor in Arts Administration and Vocal PedagogyUniversity of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music
• Master of Music in Vocal PerformanceUniversity of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music
• Bachelor of Music in Vocal PerformanceGeorgia State University

As a singing actress with strong stage presence, Simone’s performance experience includes mostly operatic roles and recitals in art songs. Most recent performances include the role of Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen with Peach State Opera. In 2022, she made her debut at Emory with the Emory University Symphony Orchestra as the mezzo soloist in Mozart’s Requiem. She performs in faculty presentations periodically, and recently performed on a Valentine’s Day concert with the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. She will be performing with ECMSA in April 2026 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

As an educator, Simone’s studio consists of Emory students with a focus in classical and in musical theater. Many of her students have been cast in lead roles in Theater Emory’s productions, particularly Little Shop of Horrors and Bright Star, as well as leads in StageWorks’ production of Don Giovanni. Her teaching philosophy is to guide students in finding their authentic voice through a healthy and balanced technique. She has also been instrumental in bringing voice to the Emory jazz program. Simone has taught at Emory since 2019, and was also a voice teacher at Georgia Perimeter College 2016–2023.

As an administrator, Simone has over 15 years in arts and higher ed administrative experience. She led the Peach State Opera company as executive director 2017–2020, managing programming, operations, finances, marketing, and development. As a certified grant writer, she has secured over $200,000 grants from organizations such as Georgia Council for the Arts and Opera Volunteers in the support of arts and education. In her current role on staff at Emory as the music department’s communications specialist, she ensures efficient and streamlined communications within the department and the broader community.

Beyond her artistic and professional endeavors, Simone is also a recreational athlete, placing in her age group in sprint triathlons and 5k races. She is active in her community and is co-founder of the first registered bike bus in Gwinnett County.