Raising her voice: Emily Kauffman spreads awareness through music

BY KAYLA GATES

Whether it’s belting out notes in her room or on a Broadway stage in New York City, freshman Emily Kauffman can do it all. Through her recent performances, Kauffman has taken her talent to the next level, spreading awareness for a cause close to her heart.

Kauffman discovered music at an early age. She gave her first public performance at only 6 years old. Although young, Kauffman excelled, which caused her passion for singing to flourish.

One of Kauffman’s more notable achievements is her association with the Little Dreams Foundation, where she has the opportunity to work with music legend and organization founder Phil Collins.

“My first performance was at a nursing home, and I sang for the elderly,” Kauffman said. “I really enjoyed it and they really enjoyed me, so I realized that this could be something I want to do in life.”

Throughout her career, Kauffman has participated in a variety of honorable events. Her extensive resume includes singing at Miami Marlins and Miami Heat games, representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s inauguration and a Students Demand Action event, advocating for gun sense in America.

“I have performed for so many [organizations],” Kauffman said. “More and more people referred me and called for me to sing for them.”

Kauffman also attracts a large social media following. She has produced her own music videos for her YouTube channel, a platform she utilizes to share her singing. Additionally, her Instagram page, with over 10,000 followers, reveals countless covers and clips of her performances.

One of Kauffman’s more notable achievements is her association with the Little Dreams Foundation, where she has the opportunity to work with music legend and organization founder Phil Collins. After successfully completing an intense audition in Miami, Kauffman was chosen to receive musical advice from the experts, learning how to improve upon her skills.

Kauffman doesn’t limit her auditions to singing. She has tried everything from Broadway to plays to television shows. One of her recent accomplishments includes a modeling job for Office Depot. Kauffman was shocked to see her face plastered in stores, advertising back to school sales.

“It was super cool,” Kauffman said. “I got to see myself holding a calculator on the walls of a well-known store.”

She has raised over $5,000 at each of the two shows she has planned so far. She looks forward to continuing the tradition and helping others in her situation.

Despite her many achievements, Kauffman does admit that it’s impossible to secure every role. She is fully aware of the strict guidelines associated with the industry. Sometimes, the reason isn’t something she can help. Regardless, Kauffman continues to overcome these setbacks by working harder.

“I keep performing, but it is hard because there are a lot of other people and requirements,” Kauffman said. “I’m still practicing my craft, and I plan on pursuing this further in life.”

Kauffman also suffers from Type 1 diabetes, a struggle that thousands of children face across the nation. However, Kauffman uses her musical abilities to advocate for the disease. By working with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), she is able to attract attention to the cause.

Every year, Kauffman hosts an event to fundraise for the JDRF. The event consists of Kauffman and her friends singing for attendees, who donate money to the organization in hopes of a cure. She has raised over $5,000 at each of the two shows she has planned so far. She looks forward to continuing the tradition and helping others in her situation.

Kauffman’s peers admire both her musical ability and work in the community. Many are amazed by the talent she possesses when it comes to performing. Kauffman’s classmates understand the difficulties associated her condition but applaud her for the effort she puts in to overcome it.

“I don’t need to be Beethoven, but I hope to get better at it,” Kauffman said. “I’m working on playing and reading music, but it’s hard.”

“Her performances are truly captivating,” freshman Ellie Cohen said. “Her personality shines whether she is singing or going about her everyday life.”

Further, Kauffman manages to balance her career with a rigorous schedule. With honors classes, Kauffman usually takes home a heavy workload. However, she manages to continue performing while achieving high grades.

With all of her accomplishments and experience, Kaufman continues to improve. Strongly influenced by her mother, Kauffman is learning to play the piano. Currently in her third year of theory, she hopes to perfect her skills. Despite the obstacles, she acknowledges the benefits learning to play will have in the future.

“I don’t need to be Beethoven, but I hope to get better at it,” Kauffman said. “I’m working on playing and reading music, but it’s hard.”

Kauffman plans to pursue a career as a musician. She often attends Broadway auditions, hoping to secure a role in a major play one day. With her growing resume, Kauffman sees herself becoming a part of the industry in the future.

As for advice, Kauffman encourages young performers to follow their dreams. She suggests starting simple, like herself. Kauffman acknowledges the obstacles that come with being a musician but proves that they can be overcome.

“Make sure to perform out in the community, even if it’s just for fun,” Kauffman said. “Keep practicing and working to be a better artist.”

Photo by Kayla Florenco