From the classroom to live on Triple J - how Shiva's course helped find her signature sound

04/10/2024 |
5 mins

Hear from Shiva - music lover, producer, DJ, and a 3rd year Electronic Music and Sound Design student. 

Meet Shiva (aka māyā)

"Hi, my name is Shiva and I am studying Electronic Music and Sound Design (EMSD) here at UWA. I'm currently in my final year, and working towards my end of year project."

Female student on DJ decks.

What inspired you to study EMSD?

"I've always been interested in music ever since I was young, and over the years I wanted to learn how to make my own music. My mum used to give me piano lessons when I was younger, and I grew up learning Indian music and dance, so I've always been involved with the arts and have so much love for it. When I got to UWA, I started taking music electives and I really enjoyed them and after 2 years I switched degrees to EMSD."

What do you enjoy the most about studying EMSD?

"What I love most about the course is how everything is so practical and hands-on - we always start composing and using the software right from the very first class. I also enjoy hearing other people's work in class, since everyone has a different approach to composing and we all have slightly different music styles which is great as we all learn from each other." 

How has the course impacted your approach to music? 

"EMSD at UWA has definitely refined my musical approach. Before I started this course, I had some idea of what kind of music I wanted to make, but I never knew where or how to start - this course has taught me the necessary skills of music production and how to approach different genres to music."

Are there any projects that have stood out to you?

"The biggest highlight of the course for me is the final project, which I'm currently working on. I've chosen to make an EP, which is like a shorter version of an album and it's been so much fun working on it! Another project that I loved during this course was composing all the sound effects and music for a short movie scene in the Sound, Image and Space (MUSC2276) unit which I absolutely loved."

What sort of opportunities has come about from your studies? 

"I started DJing a year and a half ago - it's kind of like producing in a way since you make your own remixes on the spot. I mostly started it because I love that kind of music, and the music that I was making for my EMSD assignments were in the same genre. I've gotten lots of gigs around Perth since then - from clubs, bars, a coffee shop at 8am, and even Triple J a few weeks ago which was really exciting!" (PS, you can listen to māyā 's set by clicking the link below!)

TAAL B2B MĀYĀ Triple J Mix up x Kerfew Takeover

What's the most valuable skill you've learnt in your studies so far?

"The most valuable skills I've learnt so far is learning how to use Ableton, which is a producing software. I had no prior knowledge of Ableton before starting this course, and now I've got a good grip on it and I feel like I can compose anything, whether it be a song or something for a film or even game audio."

What advice would you like to give someone who is thinking about studying EMSD?

"The advice I would give to someone who is thinking about studying EMSD is to DO IT! You can even do it as a second major alongside something else. I don't think anyone in my class regrets choosing EMSD. The course is a lot of fun, challenging and will really push you creatively. The unit coordinators are also so lovely and are willing to help with anything, and they are so accommodating of any music genre that you compose."

Are you ready to find your own sound? 

Give our Future Students team a call on 131 UWA (131 892), submit a question through askUWA, or book an appointment. Live chat is also available Monday - Friday from 2 - 4pm AWST.

Apply now!

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