Roger Emerson Sheet Music

About Roger Emerson

Roger Emerson stands as one of the most widely performed choral composers and arrangers in the United States, celebrated for his expansive catalog and significant contributions to popular choral music and vocal jazz. With over 900 titles in print and more than 30 million copies in circulation, Emerson has profoundly impacted music education and performance, making contemporary hits accessible to choirs of all levels. His work often blends popular styles with practical arrangements, ensuring musical integrity while appealing to a broad audience.

  • Roger Emerson has been a recipient of ASCAP's Standard Award for 30 years, and his compositions and arrangements have been performed at esteemed venues such as the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center.
  • His extensive catalog includes popular choral arrangements of iconic songs like Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up," "Seasons of Love" from Rent, "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, "Don't Stop Believin'" from Glee, and "My Shot" from Hamilton.
  • Before dedicating himself full-time to composing and arranging, Emerson earned a degree in Music Education from Southern Oregon University and taught music for 12 years in public schools, concluding his teaching career at the College of the Siskiyous where he led vocal jazz and guitar programs.
  • Emerson's journey into music began early, growing up in a musical family in Downey, California, and playing electric bass in a rock band called "The Nervous System" in 1965.

Performing Roger Emerson's sheet music offers a rewarding experience for a wide range of vocal ensembles, from elementary school choirs to advanced vocal jazz groups. His arrangements are well-suited for various voicings, including SATB, SAB/3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, and SSA/SSAA, making them highly adaptable for different skill levels and ensemble sizes. Emerson's focus on crafting vocal lines that "sing" and are accessible, particularly for young voices, without sacrificing musical depth, makes his music a staple in educational and performance settings. Choirs can enjoy performing familiar pop and Broadway tunes, as well as original compositions, benefiting from arrangements that are both engaging and pedagogically sound, often accompanied by piano or instrumental combos.

Search all Roger Emerson