About Emma Breen


Emma Breen grew up listening to three CDs in her mom’s minivan: a recording of Holst’s The Planets by the CSO, John Mayer’s Continuum, and the Beatles Yellow Submarine. Since then, Emma’s taste in music really hasn’t changed. Coming from a classical background in the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra, Emma expanded her repertoire during her time at Northwestern University becoming involved in the Disney All American College Band, Wirtz School of Theater, and Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra. Under the tutelage of David Bilger, Michael Sachs, and Tom Rolfs, Emma has developed  a keen ear for detail and strong classical foundation.

Since moving to Los Angeles, Emma’s emerging career has hit a stride. Emma won the principal trumpet position of the American Youth Symphony in January, 2023 (the first woman to win that position in the orchestra’s 60+ year history). Emma has made appearances with the Claremont Concert Orchestra, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, and as a guest with the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Outside of orchestra, she takes pride in flexing her commerical/jazz muscles having recently played mainstage with the Adult Swim Festival at Comic Con San Diego as well as being involved with a number of film and TV projects.

She is grateful to be continuing her post-graduate education with Jens Lindemann at UCLA. Outside of music , Emma works in cancer research with the Zamudio Lab while simultaneously feeding a growing caffeine addiction.


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Anonymous Reviews from Students

  • "Emma Breen is the best TA I've ever worked with. The level of her professionalism is remarkable!"

  • "I loved how fun and engaging Emma was throughout the quarter. Even at 9 am on Mondays she would be energized and ready to get us talking. She was very passionate about music and you can definitely tell through the way she carried herself.

  • "Emma was one of the best T.A.'s that I have had in my 5 years at UCLA."