Emily studied a Bachelor's degree in Music and a Master's degree in Performance and Musicology at the University of Bristol. She used her experience from founding and leading ensembles and arranging several events during this time to begin focusing on a career in arts administration

Emily remains a keen performer: she has enjoyed playing with amateur and professional orchestras as a clarinettist, and has also held conducting posts with a variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles. Emily is currently the Assistant Conductor of the South East London Orchestra, and founded the Invicta Sinfonia in January 2020, a local amateur orchestra focusing on charity work and community engagement.