Emil Awad has been commissioned to compose by individuals, ensembles and institutions such as Thomas D. Cabot, the National Council for Culture and the Arts (2001, 2002), National Institute of Fine Arts (2000, 2005) and the Veracruzano Institute of Culture (1999, 2005). His music is published by American Composers Alliance, New York. He has been a Composer-in-Residence and keynote speaker at institutions such as Houston University (2011), the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (2011), USA; the Autonomous University of Zacatecas (2009), the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (2008, 2009), Mexico; University of Victoria (2007), Canada; and has been recognized for excellence in teaching by Harvard (1989, 1990); the Conservatorio de las Rosas (1994-98) and the Universidad Veracruzana (2005, 2008, 2011), Mexico.

During 1988-93 he served at Harvard University as Principal Conductor of the Dudley Symphony Orchestra and artistic advisor to various chamber groups such as Toscanini Chamber Players, Conductors Orchestra and Dudley Wind Ensemble. For his contribution to the cultural life and connection of Harvard University with the Dudley Symphony Orchestra, he received the Arms of Dudley award in 1991 and 1993. He has participated as a guest conductor in various ensembles and orchestras such as the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber of Fine Arts, Chamber Orchestra of the University of Michoacán, Harvard Group for New Music, Manhattan Contemporary Ensemble, among others. As artistic director in Mexico (1994-) he has premiered more than 200 works, including by young Mexican composers and established composers such as Milton Babbitt, Elliott Carter, Mario Davidovsky, Earl Kim and Donald Martino.