Arguably the most important gig of Emma McGrath’s fledgling music career is set to fall slap-bang in the middle of her mock GCSEs.

But does the prospect of playing Oxford Street’s world-famous 100 Club in the midst of exam prep send the 15-year-old singer-songwriter into a flap? No way.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it is such an iconic venue,“ says the young performer from Harpenden.

“It is a lot of effort but it is all worth it. I would rather just do music all day, but I have to fit in some school work.“ Emma, who regularly busks in St Albans, was recommended for the slot by Denise Parsons at Trestle Arts Base and will be the support act for Canadian singer Lynne Hanson on the night.

“I have done a lot of live performances, I would say I’m quite confident,“ says the student who has honed her skills at a host of open mic nights in Harpenden and St Albans.

“I’m a bit nervous because you never know who is going to be there at a venue like that.“

It all began for Emma when she was just 13 and played her first open mic night at The Plough and Harrow in her hometown.

“I didn’t actually realise that people would like it that much,“ remembers Emma, who sang Blue Shoes by Paolo Nutini.

She continues: “It was really funny, they got me up and they made me play it again. I was very nervous, it took me a while to get over my nerves before performing, but when I was up there you kind of stop.“

Last year the multi-instrumentalist (Emma plays guitar, bass, drums and piano) released her first EP, The Judgement, at Grand Chapel Studios in Tebworth. She has even converted her bedroom into a recording studio, favouring a drum kit over her bed, and now sleeps in the spare room.

“I had these songs that I wanted to get down and always went down well live,“ says Emma, who is inspired by Australian musician Missy Higgins.

“I have a habit of over-thinking things and I think that helps with my writing. I love writing, it is quite an important part for me, but I do like being able to share it.“

She has already had her songs played to the nation on Dermot O’Leary’s BBC Radio 2’s show and had her talent showcased by BBC Introducing... Herts, Beds and Bucks.

So what’s next for Emma? “There’s more stuff coming and I’m just going to take every opportunity that I’m given,“ she says.

100 Club, Oxford Street, Tuesday, May 5, 7.30pm. Details: 020 7636 0933, the100club.co.uk, emmamcgrath.co.uk