By Di Stanley
Emerald’s Emma Sproxton is all for finding the harmony between homework as a Marist College high school student and her dream of having her star shine brightly in the country music scene.
Emma, who turns 16 next week, is one of 21 aspiring singer-songwriters chosen from around the country to attend CMAA Academy of Country Music junior course, an intensive eight-day residency in Tamworth, the home of the Golden Guitar, in July.
Emma has been to the world-famous country music festival twice now, to busk in the streets, build her confidence and soak up the unique atmosphere.
“The first time I went to Tamworth I didn’t know what to expect and I really didn’t know what busking was, but it was good experience and it gave me more confidence in front of crowds,” she said.
“This year I performed at Maccas Golden Gig, which is a competition for anyone under 18, and sadly I didn’t get through, but I think the next day after we got home, Sam from the academy messaged me on Instagram and said we’re inviting you to the junior academy.
“I was really excited, and mum was in town so I rang her to tell her because we had been talking about it for ages.
“I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met and I am so excited to go to Tamworth and meet with all of these amazing mentors and the up-and-coming artists.
“This is such an incredible opportunity for young artists and we get to meet each other within the industry and make life-long connections.”
Emma had already caught the eye of academy director and 10-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell who saw her busking at Tamworth this year and complimented her on her performance.
Emma has been singing since she was eight and started learning the guitar not long after. She hones her craft with her mentor Melissa Lochead, who is based on Magnetic Island.
She started gigging around Emerald as a late 12-year-old.
“I’ve been with Melissa for eight years and she’s helped me with performance, but the first time, my own gig (at former restaurant Le Porte Rosse) it was pretty special, and I remember being very nervous,” Emma said.
“Now I’m pretty much at ease in front of a crowd, but there’s always still a few nerves.”
Emma has penned 15 original songs which she incorporates into her sets.
“I write songs about what I’ve experienced, like the first song I wrote about two of my best friends leaving town and moving away and there’s another song about how I deal with unnecessary drama called A Piece of Cake,” she said.
“I admire a lot of country singers like Lainey Wilson, Kasey Chambers and Lyn Bowtell, a lot of female artists, and I think it’s so cool to be able to get your own shows.
“I definitely want to keep going in music. I want to be able to write songs and release them and perform.
“When I get a bit more experience, I want to go over to Nashville and play over there.”
Emma hopes to enrol at JMC Academy in Brisbane, a performing arts school, when she completes Year 12 at Marist.