Emma spends hours playing her acoustic guitar and writing lyrics, and develops about three "loose ideas" into songs each month.
"Normally my material is observational and about things which are influencing me at the time but I definitely write lyrics rather than poetry."
And the process works - in July Emma performed her songs Long Distance and Three Sizes Too Small at the regional Smokefreerockquest finals in Wanaka, and was awarded second place overall and was named best female musician.
Emma's songs also tackle serious issues, and at the 2006 event she was placed fourth at the national final for lyrics with a song about indifference to suffering.
A recent highlight was last year's exchange to West Shamokin High School, Western Pennsylvania.
Apart from finding her host family had a recording studio in their home, and were happy to record an EP of her songs, she was invited to perform solo as the opening act at a regional music festival.
Emma says the experience added greatly to her confidence as a solo performer.
"The whole trip was a real eye-opener and a big learning curve. I think it really helped me become more independent and a little more mature."
Emma says she was "gob-smacked" after being selected as head girl and has really enjoyed working with other students in her leadership role.
Achievements: School productions; Academic Honour Roll, West Shamokin High School, Western Pennsylvania; Senior House leader Pisa House.
Role model: "I'm inspired by various musicians - from Johnny Cash to Nirvana."
Hopes for the future: Study at Otago Polytechnic and also continue to write lyrics and compose music.