Simone McGaw EvansArtist Affiliate: Voice / Communications Specialist

• DMA: Voice, Arts Administration, and Vocal PedagogyUniversity of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music
• MM: VoiceUniversity of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music
• BM: VoiceGeorgia State University

Dr. Simone McGaw Evans enjoys a three-pronged career in music where she thrives in the intersection of teaching, performing, and administration.

Teaching

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Simone’s studio consists of Emory students with a focus in musical theater, classical, and jazz. Many of her students have been cast in lead roles in musicals, particularly Heathers, Fun Home, Little Shop of Horrors, and Bright Star, as well as leads in StageWorks and with Emory Jazz combos. Her teaching philosophy is to guide students in finding their authentic voice through a healthy and balanced technique while building transferable skills that boost individual fulfillment and confidence. She enjoys the opportunity to mentor and bond with students through singing and studying music, and appreciates the personal and professional growth they're able to achieve as a result. 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 State University's Perimeter College 2016–2023.

Performing

As a singing actress with strong stage presence, Simone’s performance experience spans various genres including mezzo-soprano operatic roles, art songs, musical theater, and jazz. She performs in faculty presentations periodically, and recently performed on a Valentine’s Day concert with the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta and with ECMSA in April 2026 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Most recent operatic 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. 

Administration

As an administrator, Simone has over 15 years' experience in arts and higher education administration. 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. She manages the website, departmental newsletters, service contracts, printed concert programs, and various handbooks. 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 in grants from organizations such as Georgia Council for the Arts and Opera Volunteers in the support of arts and education. 

Other

Beyond her artistic and professional endeavors, Simone is also a recreational athlete, placing top 3 in her age group in sprint triathlons and 5k races. In addition to being an ambassador for Emory Health as a Wellness Champion, she is active in her community and is passionate about promoting health and wellness.