Emma Harding’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emma Harding. Check out our conversation below.

Emma, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have just fostered a new horse, a beautiful boy named Beau, he brings me so much joy, and it’s great to see him getting along with our two other horses, Troy and Skippy. I get so much joy every day from all of the animals that we have rescued at our small hobby farm, along with all the other members of our “farmily”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a voice and artist development coach as well as a retreat host. I started Rockit Vocal Studios in 2013 with a goal to teach singing, and since then the gears have shifted significantly, with the goal to help the singers I work with, develop their skills in the studio and the industry, to be able to generate revenue and build sustainable careers with their music.

I also host retreats where I work with emerging and established artists on developing all areas of their musical skills, including performance, voice and songwriting, and also invite guest coaches from all over the world. These range from multi platinum selling artists to Juno and Grammy winning songwriters.

I started out as a singer myself and always wanted to be able to provide training and tools that weren’t available to me. I discovered my passion is being side stage supporting artists vs centre stage in the spotlight. I am also very passionate about supporting the wellness and mental health of artists, by providing education and support on the topics. I recently completed training in Applied Neuroscience and the Voice as well as certification in Trauma Informed Voice Coaching. The music industry is notoriously tough, I am an ambassador for supporting artists to maintain mental health and wellness while managing successful, stressful and rewarding careers in a challenging landscape.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I always knew I wanted to be connected to music and the industry in some way. I grew up in it, but there was a short phase where I looked for a more ‘stable’ career, and spent a while working in promotions and marketing in radio. I absolutely loved it, and it taught me a lot about marketing and branding my own business.

I was slightly conditioned to find a career that was more reliable, and it wasn’t until my mother passed away, that I threw caution to the wind and launched back into teaching full time in 2013. That was when the world told me I was on the right path. I believe if you are doing the right thing, the work feels easy and the ride will be a great adventure.

My journey as a coach and with my studio has taken me to so many places, introduced me to incredible clients, mentors and friends along the way. I found the right path and it has treated me well! I enjoy every moment of what I get to do, and the people I work with.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
As a business owner, I change my mind a lot! That might seem counter intuitive, but as a solo entrepreneur, there are a lot of choices and decisions to make.

I love creating new courses, planning adventurous and exciting retreats for clients, and building things that will transform peoples careers, so I’m always exploring new avenues and ways to bring the best to my clients. That means trying different things, and approaching my business with creativity. Some projects are works in progress, that need constant refining, some hit the nail on the head right away, and some just don’t stick.

There has to be a lot of flexibility and the ability to see what is or isn’t working, no matter how attached I am to the idea. In the end it comes down to who my clients are and what gets THEM the best results vs a wild idea I want to try!

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I want to see a change in how artists are treated within the industry, and how they treat themselves. There is a perception that when you make it, you are lucky and you have to do what’s necessary to stay at the top. This causes burn out, depression, addiction and worse.

Labels aren’t investing in the health care and stable lifestyles for their artists. This has to change. Artists also need more access to the tools to be able to care and advocate for themselves.

This is a very large topic, that I could dig into forever, but the core of it is we need to protect our emerging artists who are giving everything they have to climb up the ranks but often are overlooked and under supported.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I absolutely adore what I do every day. Each day is different as I work with unique and fun people throughout each day.

Some projects I’ve been part of have really brought me so much joy. Being part of the team for Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock – Back to the Rock was so much fun. The characters and crew were amazing, so kind, encouraging and supportive. It’s not every day you get to give voice lessons to people who play characters I grew up with such as Gonzo or Red Fraggle! Such a blessing. Working with great people makes what I do so enjoyable.

I also love working behind the scenes with artists who have big projects coming up. We get to refine their songs and voices before anyone else knows about it. Then when the songs come out, watching the success and careers evolve brings me so much joy. One example of that is with an amazing singer and songwriter I work with, Noeline Hofmann who’s song Purple Gas was released as a duet with her and Zach Bryan. Helping her prep for that, and then watching her career bloom, and see her on sold out stages across the world has been a pure joy for me.

I am always incredibly excited when I see not just “success” but transformation, growth and confidence in the careers of the people I work with. When they are happy, I’m happy!

Contact Info:

• Other: I also host and produce a podcast for singers and emerging artists. The Rock Your Voice Podcast is where you will find vocal coaching tips that will transform your voice, interviews to inspire, industry guidance and more. Whether you are a beginner or professional singer looking to develop your vocal skills, be inspired by platinum selling artists and special guest interviews or learn more about the industry as an emerging artist, this podcast is the ultimate resource for singers of all levels.

  https://open.spotify.com/show/0gaJbQYmQw6LBMPfkgpBSJ?si=d0840fcb3f0844b9

Image Credits
Amy Katlan (main image with mic & b&w with guitar. )