Emily chose the horn at a primary school band information night, then joined her first orchestra under the NSW Arts Unit in year 8. Having listened to Strauss’ Alpine Symphony while travelling through the Swiss Alps on a music tour in year 9, Emily decided to pursue a career in orchestral music.
In high school, Emily was fortunate to study with Ben Jacks, who imbued in her a love for practicing. Emily would often be the first person on school grounds, waiting for the cleaner to open the gates, so she could practise the gruelling but exciting technical routines given by Ben.
Emily went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the Melbourne Conservatorium, studying with Carla Blackwood. During this time, she performed as Principal Horn of the university orchestra, playing some bucket-list works such as Mahler’s 1st Symphony and Bruckner’s 4th Symphony.
Emily has performed with various orchestras and artists including the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Hans Zimmer, and the Ministry of Sound. She also has been involved in Australian Youth Orchestra programs since 2018, the highlight being performing Mahler’s 5th Symphony as principal horn.
In 2025 Emily is in her first year of training at ANAM under Carla Blackwood and Ben Jacks.
FROM: NSW. Lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.
Photo by Pia Johnson