Hi, I'm Anya and I'm a Composer/Sonic Artist and Musician.I compose modernist classical music (influences include Thomas Adès and Ligeti) and experimental electro acoustic music (influences include Stockhausen, Jonathan Harvey and Aphex Twin).
I’m currently working as a Composer, Musician and Workshop Facilitator. I also deliver autism and disability awareness training.
My previous work has been as an Associate Musician / Composer on the Connecting Across Difference Project http://www.connectingacrossdifference.net/ and Disability Access Officer at an internationally respected art gallery.
I have had a strong interest in all things musical since childhood. I started having flute lessons at the age of 9 and participated in many concerts with local youth ensembles and choirs. I studied music at G.C.S.E and A-level, and also achieved a grade 8 and Guildhall Recital Certificate Qualification in flute playing, and a grade 5 certificate in piano playing and singing.
I have been interested in composition from an early age and have been writing music since I was a child. Over time, and as my knowledge and experience of music has increased, my compositions have developed. I studied a BA Music course at Sussex which introduced me to new styles of music and significantly influenced the way in which I compose. I went on to complete an MA in composition at the University of Sussex. This course enabled me to increase my knowledge and experience of music of a variety of genres, and of the process of composition, both of electronic and acoustic music.
Another thing….I'm autistic (and proud!!!) and am an active member of the autistic pride movement. I have spoken publicly about autism at a variety of events and had articles published on the subject.
As part of my autism, I experience hyperacusis. This means that I have hyper sensitive hearing and cannot “block out” or ignore sounds in the way that non-autistic people can. This means that, for me, the volume of noises can be magnified and surrounding sounds distorted and muddled. I have an inability to cut out particular sounds and a lower hearing threshold, which makes me particularly sensitive to auditory stimuli, to the extent that it can cause me severe and excruciating pain. Hyperacusis can have a direct effect on my ability to communicate and also affect my balance.
On the positive side, it means that I notice sounds that others may not hear at all. I hear detail and beauty in sound; I observe qualities that others may completely miss. To me the smallest and seemingly most insignificant of sounds can present limitless creative and expressive possibilities.
It is these experiences that enable me to create my intrinsic sound inspired work. My work draws on everyday sounds as a stimulus because my hyperacusis means that I experience sounds which are louder and more intense. I like to utilise these experiences through my work, exploiting the aurally aesthetic effect of everyday sounds and using my unique sensory world to inspire my compositions.