Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Emily Mastenbrook (she,they) currently plays with the Sarajevska Philharmonika in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Emily completed her Masters in Music at Michigan State University under the tutelage of professor Michael Kroth. She has toured internationally, and presented on playing-health topics. Emily earned a dual Bachelors degree from Western Michigan University in Bassoon Performance and Spanish. They currently work as a first responder and have experience in cardiology and emergency medicine. They have worked with many musicians through pain in private instruction, public presentations, and continually educates younger musicians on the importance of injury prevention. She specializes in orchestral playing, opera, Contrabassoon, bassoon repair, playing with ease, educational outreach and chamber music.