Her compositions feature a strong narrative, often influenced by the landscape, history and culture of Orkney and contain references to traditional music and birdsong. Following postgraduate studies at the University of Aberdeen, Gemma has had two operas performed - the first commissioned by the Sound Festival in 2015, and the second by St Magnus Festival in 2017. In addition to writing opera, choral and instrumental music, she has been part of many interdisciplinary performances and collaborations, created soundart and written for film. Gemma attended the St. Magnus Festival Composers Course in 2010, studying with Alasdair Nicolson and Sally Beamish. She attended the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland composition course in 2014, studying with Gordon McPherson and Rory Boyle. Gemma was selected for the Dartington Summer School composition course in 2016 and studied with Judith Weir.