Emily is also a harper and qualified teacher of the Irish harp. A former member of the Belfast Harp Orchestra, Emily has recorded on a number of albums, and also as a solo artist. She gives recitals and lectures nationally and internationally and has performed throughout Europe, Australia and the United States. Emily was awarded an IRC Government of Ireland fellowship for her doctoral study on the Irish harp and completed her Ph.D. in English (on the harp as trope, icon and instrument in the construction of an Irish self-image) in 2008. She frequently publishes essays on Irish music and cultural history.
Emily performing at Nenagh Castle as part of the 2022 Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival 1 October 2022. Together with renowned traditional Irish fiddler, Eileen O'Brien, Emily premiered their new composition, commissioned by the festival, entitled 'Sionnan: a suite'
Emily's eco-poem about the River Shannon, "I Am Sionann," has just been realised as a poetry film, directed by filmmaker, Luke Morgan with the support of an Arts Council of Ireland Agility Award. The music for the poetry film is a slow air entitled "The Stately Shannon" which was composed, and performed, by Emily on the harp. Limerick actress, Johanne Webb features as river goddess, 'Sionann.' You can view it here.