Exploring Life & Business with Emma Harding of Rockit Vocal Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Harding.

Hi Emma, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My father was a rock musician, and our home was a converted commercial recording studio, so I grew up learning all about music, musicianship, and how recording sessions work from a very young age.

I started singing at an early age and had trouble finding a coach that could teach me rock and pop, as well as other commercial styles. The only coaches focussed on the Royal School of Music syllabus which I hated. There were no relevant techniques or transferable skills that I could relate to, just learning to repeat songs a certain way.

Eventually, I found the London Music School where I learned modern techniques, ranging from pop to rock, metal, country, and more. I worked with various bands, started writing and touring my music, and was making a living from performing as well as teaching voice.

I moved to Canada and switched to broadcasting where I was an on-air host and also worked in the Marketing department. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet a lot of people in the music industry.

But I missed teaching. I launched Rockit Vocal Studios in 2013 and to brush up my skills I travelled to Nashville to train with Brett Manning and his team. I worked a lot with Nashville voice coach, Shelby Rollins as well as Katie Talbot and I loved taking lessons with them all.

I frequently return to Nashville to learn from other coaches and get inspired by the music scene there, I’ll be planning to come back again very soon too!

My goal is to also bring some clients over to Nashville to host some retreats and show them how amazing the city is.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This industry is always full of challenges but that’s the beauty of it! There is no formal path or map to follow unlike becoming a dentist or a lawyer. There are challenges and roadblocks, but they are part of the journey and what makes you who you are when you get to your goals.

I’ve had several challenges, my mother passed away in 2013 and that gave me great motivation to make my studio a success. Just after she passed, my musician father also passed suddenly. It was tough but kept me motivated to share my skills and knowledge with other artists and people who wanted to discover what they can do with their voices and music.

I’ve also found it important to brush off any competitive feelings or negative people. There are a lot of singers, musicians, and voice coaches out there. I’ve learned that the best ones, who are at the top of their game, are the most supportive and encouraging and want to build community.

As you know, we’re big fans of Rockit Vocal Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a voice and artist development coach. I specialize in helping singers connect with their instruments as opposed to learning just how to “sing songs.” I also am passionate about helping artists overcome mental blocks that hold them back from achieving their goals.

Over the past 20 years of coaching, I’ve learned that every voice tells a story. Every singer has one thing that holds them back. This could be one negative memory or a huge trauma. But being able to connect with clients differently and on a personal level allows me to help them draw out their genuine sound with confidence and connection.

Without intentionally creating it, my studio has also created a strong community of singers and emerging artists. Through hosting workshops, retreats, and special events, all of my clients have been able to connect and support each other through their journeys. Some are collaborating on projects and co-writing together…. some are even dating! Ha!

But in all seriousness, it is the unplanned community that drives my business. We need community in this industry and having connections and friends and support as you grow as an artist is key to your development.

I offer various services, for singers at all levels. This ranges from The Rock Your Voice Podcast, which I host & produce, offering voice training tips and audio downloads as well as interviews from industry professionals and established artists.

I teach virtually and in person and love hosting workshops and retreats. I most recently hosted a retreat with a guest speaker, and Nashville songwriter Tim Nichols, which was amazing to have such an incredible guest!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Having a positive attitude and being able to let go of ideas that don’t necessarily stick the first time. To be flexible and accept that I’m a one-person corporation that needs a break sometimes! I also know that it’s so important to continue learning.

I’m always enrolling in voice focussed training and courses, such as vocal first aid, voice health, and general voice coaching from high-level teachers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rockitvocalstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockitvocalstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockitvocalstudios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-harding-ab86891b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPkiqD9Y18UghReP6yz8zbg
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gaJbQYmQw6LBMPfkgpBSJ?si=0651ad55b4fc410b

Image Credits
Amy Katlan, Charles Torrealba, Ian Tomey, and Emma Harding