Abram Wilson Foundation Professional Development Programme 2021
Serious/Cryptic AirTime Artist 2018
Oxford Contemporary Music BOOM Artist in Residence 2018
Emma Smith studied double bass at the Royal College of Music where she was trained in classical double bass technique and repertoire. Building on the language of classical music, and exploring the story-telling aspect of folk music from different parts of the world, Emma has forged a career as a versatile composer, improviser and collaborator. An advocate for gender balance in the arts, and with support from Serious/Cryptic, she produces the multi-genre series Bitches Brew, which showcases the best of female instrumental improvising talent, and she produces radio show Womxn of the World : Take Over, featuring music by femxle artists from around the world. Working for Musicians without Borders, Emma spent time in Palestine and El Salvador, as well as training musicians across Europe to provide creative spaces for displaced people. This work provided the impetus, imagery and humanitarian insight for her solo show The Relentless Approach of Better Times. Continuing her exploration of how we work and how we interact, Emma is currently collaborating with Admiral Fallow percussionist Phil Hague to explore Blame.