Meet Emma Roche

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma Roche. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emma, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
A defining moment in my life, when my purpose was revealed to me, was at the age of 14 during a choir performance tour of Europe. Our choir was rehearsing, standing in a circle inside this gorgeous cathedral, singing an acapella arrangement of “Irish Blessing.” I don’t tend to be a very emotional person, but I found myself completely overcome and singing with tears streaming down my face. It wasn’t just me, half the choir was in tears. There was this palpable energy that was coursing through us unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was in that transcendent moment that I understood the full power of music, its ability to evoke profound emotions and connections between people. I became unequivocally convinced that dedicating my life to this art form was my calling.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started singing as a toddler (my mother has been known to whip out the videos of me belting out Christmas carols in my crib) and never stopped. I grew up singing in Los Robles Children’s Choir (LRCC) until the age of 18 when I began my undergraduate studies at Westminster Choir College. Choral singing was my first artistic love. As a graduate student, I trained in opera performance and spent several years traveling, singing with different orchestras and opera companies. Once I got married and started my family, I realized that the life of a full-time professional singer wasn’t compatible with the type of wife and mother that I wanted to be. I pivoted my artistic focus to teaching. The years I spent as an elementary music teacher were both challenging and deeply rewarding. I love working with children, cultivating their artistry and witnessing their sparks of creativity.
Becoming the Artistic Director of Los Robles Children’s Choir in 2022 was a completely full-circle moment. Having sung in the choir for several formative years, I have a deep connection and passion for the organization. I can honestly say that I have my dream job now! I get to nurture and inspire the next generation of young musicians. I also have three young children of my own. The youngest is 4 months and the eldest is 5 years old and a proud member of the LRCC Apprentice Choir!
Of course, I still need to get my singing “fix.” I’m currently a vocalist in Seraphour, a professional vocal quartet with three other women, all amazing singers and now close friends. The ensemble was formed by soprano, Heidi Vass, in 2020. We regularly perform throughout Southern California in different concert series and are in the process of recording our second album. Collaborating with the three other women of Seraphour and creating music together has been deeply fulfilling.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that were most impactful for me: motivation, balance & kindness. The most important thing you can do as a young artist of any kind is practice, practice, practice. Hone your skills and talents. Put in the time now. Balance is also necessary because you need to know your limits and create boundaries in order to avoid burnout. This becomes especially challenging as you get older and need to balance career and personal/family life.
Talent and hard work will only get you in the door, but kindness will keep you there. No one wants to work with an a**hole. Treat colleagues with respect and kindness. It goes a long way.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I was blessed to have parents who encouraged me from an early age and fostered my love of music and singing. They are still my “biggest fans” and the first people I call to share in my career successes.

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