Emily Howard has worked as a full time musician since leaving university, where she studied BA Hons in Music Performance at Falmouth. She currently plays in Exeter folk band The Dillyboys, alongside solo shows. Emily also works as a session guitarist and vocalist; a highlight for her so far being a tour with the Phil Beer Band. Emily hosts open mic jam sessions in Exeter, and last year got the opportunity to work for Rebel Girls at Boomtown Festival. Emily has recently released her third album through her own record label Random Fish Records, and has been featured on BBC Introducing. When Emily is not gigging she works as a music educator, teaching guitar and vocals from her home studio, and running music workshops at youth clubs, events and festivals with the Mobile Music Hub.
Employment History
2021-present- music tutor at the Mobile Music Hub. Working with all ages and abilities teaching vocals, guitar and delivering workshops.
2021-2022- music leader at the Station Newton Abbot. Working with young people with additional needs. Using music technology to inspire and create new music for Christmas.
2020- 2021- Musical Director. Working with young people at Doorstep Arts in Paignton. Devising original music for the Protest and Rebellion project.
2019- 2021 – Samba band leader. Coordinating the drumming group in Exeter, leading the band on the marches for the youth led ‘Fridays for Future’ climate strikes.
2019- 2021 – Soundwaves Support Worker. Facilitating Saturday morning music making sessions for adults with learning difficulties, currently devising a musical about a giant flea in Paris.
2019- present- Freelance Music Leader. Planning and delivering music workshops tailor-made for community groups such as Doorstep Arts, DAISI and Play Torbay.
2018-2019 – Music Leader mentee (Daisi soundwaves project.) Delivery of music sessions at the Hive youth centre in Exmouth.
2017-2021 – Guitar Accompanist Big Noise Chorus. The Big Noise Chorus is a network of community choirs run by vocal practitioner and choir leader Colin Rea.
2014- 2018 – Wren Music Leader. Wren Music is a company of skilled, experienced and highly qualified professional musicians of international repute. Wren has a strong focus on the folk music tradition from England, and around the world. Emily ran folk choirs and folk orchestras around Devon for all ages and abilities.
2014- present- Guitar, ukulele and vocal tuition. Employed firstly by the franchise Instrumental Music Services (IMS) , Emily now teaches freelance from a studio in Exeter.
2005-present- Professional Musician. Emily runs a self releasing record label named Random Fish Records, releasing albums of original songs, collaborating with talented musicians from the South West, gigging regularly at pubs, clubs and festivals.
2007-present- Open Mic Night Host. Emily promotes and hosts open mics in the city of Exeter and has developed a sense of community amongst the local performers, creating a welcoming space each week for people to come and showcase music, poetry and comedy.
2014-2015 – Monkey Music. Specialising in preschool music classes from newborn babies up to 5 years old.
2013- 2015 – Theatrebugs. Emily ran after school clubs for 5-8 year olds, featuring story time, singing, dancing, games, and acting.
2012 – Musical Director. Emily worked with performers and musicians in the Penryn Players production of Beauty and the Beast.
Education and Qualifications
2017-2018 – Wren Music/Trinity/Musicians Union -Certificate in Music Education
2009-2012 – University College Falmouth (incorporating Dartington College of Arts.) -BA Hons – Music Performance 2:1
2007-2009 – South Devon College, Devon. – B-Tech in Music Performance – Triple Distinction
2001-2008 – Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Devon. AS Levels – (A) Drama. (C) Psychology, Religious Studies. GCSEs – (A*) Music, (AA) Science Double Award, (A) Geography, French, Drama, Religious Studies, (B) English, English Literature, Mathematics.
Other Qualifications
2010 – Grade 8 singing (Merit).
2009 – Grade 7 singing
2008 – Grade 6 singing (Merit) Trinity Guildhall
2021 – Grade 1 drumming (Distinction)
2021 – Grade 1 guitar (Distinction) RSL
2022 – Grade 2 guitar (Distinction) RSL
2023 – Grade 3 guitar (Merit) RSL
2009 – Grade 5 Theory of Music. Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Understanding Autism Course
Recovery Devon Mental Health First Aid
Musician’s Union Safeguarding Course
Participation and volunteering training Space Youth Services
2021 – Arts Award Advisor Training (Discover & Explore awards)
References available upon request.