Composer on How Support from Sound and Music Bridged the Gap to a Successful Career

A composer reflects on her journey from a law degree and indie film perform to a thriving career in contemporary classical music, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship and funding from organizations like Sound and Music and nonclassical.

From Law to Composition

The composer’s path to music was unconventional, beginning with a law degree and experience in indie short film projects. She honed her skills through remixing and producing for singer-songwriters, eventually pursuing a Master’s degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. A significant early achievement was winning the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Rushworth Composition Prize in 2021, leading to a commission for Ensemble 10:10.

Key Collaborations and Awards

Throughout her career, the composer has collaborated with notable musicians and organizations. Standout opportunities include developing “3 Planets” for orchestra and sampler with the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Composer Academy, hearing her choral piece “Awake” performed by the Marian Consort, and writing “Hope is an Act of Protest” for Chineke!, performed at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Her work “finding gills [when they try to drown you]” for orchestra and electronics earned her the Best Large Ensemble Composition award at The Ivors Classical Awards 2025 .

A Sonic Approach to Composition

The composer describes her approach as building “cohesive sonic worlds,” often centered around a particular technique or emotional narrative. Groove and rhythmic interplay are important elements in her work. She seamlessly integrates acoustic instruments and electronics, treating them as equal partners rather than establishing a hierarchy. Her process often involves manipulating and glitching recorded material to explore the transformative potential of sound.

The Impact of Sound and Music’s New Voices Scheme

Joining Sound and Music’s New Voices scheme in 2022 proved pivotal. The scheme provided a space to delve deeper into her electro-acoustic practice and introduced her to technical mentor Tony Nwachukwu. Mentorship from Fiona Allison was vital in navigating the post-graduate transition, offering guidance on project development, budgeting, and grant writing. This development period culminated in the EP “Saplings,” a fully funded project that deepened her understanding of her creative process and the relationship between electronics and live players.

Advice for Emerging Composers

The composer offers advice to her younger self: embrace opportunities even when feeling unprepared, stay curious, and view every experience as a learning opportunity. She emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to experiment and make unconventional choices, believing that the most interesting artists are those who continuously evolve.

Finding Inspiration and Support

Inspiration comes from tuning into emotions and identifying the story she wants to tell, often visualizing music in terms of colors and shades. She maintains notebooks for ideas and resources, trusting that they will surface at the right time. A supportive network of trusted peers provides valuable feedback on her work in progress.

Wellbeing and the Creative Process

Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining wellbeing in a demanding creative field, the composer emphasizes the importance of prioritizing basic needs like outdoor time and exercise. She grounds herself in gratitude for the privilege of having the time, safety, and space to create.

A Call for Greater Support in the Classical Sector

The composer advocates for recognizing the time-intensive nature of creating good music and for increased opportunities for composers to work in residency with ensembles and orchestras. She too wishes for a greater culture of repeat performances of new music, beyond the initial premiere, to allow works to gain wider exposure and further development.