A key element of my practice is working with spatial audio, and the Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST) provides an exceptional platform for this. As one of the world’s most advanced multichannel sound diffusion systems, BEAST offers a vital space to experiment with immersive and spatialised sound, which is central to my exploration of sonic urbanism. The ability to compose and present work in this context allows me to refine how sound can occupy and shape physical space – an essential aspect of my research.

Beyond BEAST’s large-scale diffusion system, the university’s MiniBEAST setup enables ongoing practical experimentation with multichannel composition, offering a more flexible but equally rich environment for spatial audio research. The department’s electroacoustic music studios provide state-of-the-art facilities for recording, sound analysis, and composition, ensuring that my work is supported by cutting-edge technology.

Birmingham provides an unparalleled environment for my research, not only because of its evolving urban landscape and the expertise of my supervisors – Annie Mahtani, Scott Wilson, and Phil Jones – but also due to the University of Birmingham’s outstanding facilities and dynamic research culture.

My work explores space-making as a compositional tool within changing urban environments, a research area that thrives on interdisciplinary perspectives. The combination of Annie Mahtani’s expertise in immersive sound, site-specific composition, and field recording, Scott Wilson’s specialism in electroacoustic and mixed composition, Professor Phil Jones’s research in human geography provides a uniquely holistic supervisory team. Their collective insight enables me to investigate how sound interacts with urban space, drawing from both artistic and spatial theory to develop new compositional approaches. This blend of music and geography is crucial to my research, as I seek to examine how urban transformation shapes sonic experience and, conversely, how composition can actively engage with these shifts.

Birmingham’s research culture is another crucial factor in my decision to conduct my PhD here. The department’s regular BEAST events, including BEASTFEAST and MiniBEAST concerts, create an ongoing dialogue with leading scholars and practitioners in spatial composition and sound studies. These events not only provide opportunities to present my work but also foster collaboration and engagement with international researchers, reinforcing the global significance of electroacoustic music.

Additionally, Birmingham itself – both as a research environment and as a city – offers a living case study for my work. Its shifting urban landscape, shaped by industrial heritage, regeneration, and cultural diversity, makes it an ideal space to explore how sound interacts with transformation. The intersection of world-class facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and an ever-evolving cityscape provides the perfect setting for my research at the forefront of composition, urbanism, and sound.

My ultimate career goal is to establish myself as both a composer and a lecturer, contributing to the fields of electroacoustic composition, sonic urbanism, and spatial sound studies. I aim to develop a diverse compositional practice that engages with real-world environments while also shaping the next generation of artists and researchers through teaching and academic work. The University of Birmingham is providing the ideal foundation to achieve this by offering world-class research support, exceptional facilities, and valuable opportunities for professional development.

As a composer, Birmingham equips me with the technical expertise and creative resources to refine my artistic practice. The Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST) provides an advanced platform for spatial composition and sound diffusion, allowing me to experiment with multichannel audio in ways that are central to my work. Through BEAST’s regular events, including BEASTFEAST and MiniBEAST, I have opportunities to present my compositions to both academic and public audiences, developing my profile as a composer within the international electroacoustic music community. The university’s electroacoustic music studios further support my creative development by providing access to cutting-edge technology, ensuring that my work is produced to the highest standard.

Birmingham is also helping me build the academic skills necessary for a future lecturing career. The interdisciplinary nature of my PhD, which sits between music and human geography, is strengthening my ability to engage with multiple disciplines – an essential skill for teaching in higher education. Working closely with my supervisors, Dr Annie Mahtani, Professor Scott Wilson, and Professor Phil Jones, allows me to refine my research methodologies and theoretical understanding, preparing me for future academic roles. The university also provides valuable teaching experience and professional training opportunities, helping me develop the skills needed to lead seminars, deliver lectures, and support students in their own creative and academic work.

Beyond formal training, Birmingham’s research culture encourages engagement with a wide network of scholars, composers, and practitioners. Conferences, symposia, and collaborations within the department and beyond allow me to establish connections that will be invaluable for my career progression. There are also funding opportunities for attending conferences and training, which helps with networking beyond university walls. The university’s strong reputation in electroacoustic music and spatial sound studies positions me well for future academic and artistic opportunities, whether through securing postdoctoral research positions, teaching roles, or composition commissions.

Through a combination of advanced creative practice, academic development, and professional networking, the University of Birmingham is providing the ideal environment for me to build a career that bridges composition and academia.

Receiving the AHRC Midlands4Cities (M4C) scholarship has been transformative in allowing me to pursue my postgraduate research with the financial stability and academic support necessary to develop both my compositional and scholarly work.

This funding has enabled me to fully commit to my PhD without the constant concern of financial pressures, giving me the freedom to think creatively, explore ambitious research ideas, and engage with critical professional development opportunities. A major benefit of this scholarship has been the ability to attend conferences and networking events that are essential to my field.

These events provide crucial platforms to present my research, receive feedback from leading scholars and practitioners, and establish connections that will be invaluable for my future career as both a composer and a lecturer. Without this funding, participating in such events—many of which require travel and registration fees—would have been significantly more challenging. Midlands4Cities also supports access to vital training opportunities, allowing me to refine both my research methodologies and professional skills. Whether through technical training in spatial audio, workshops on research dissemination, or pedagogy training that strengthens my teaching abilities, these experiences ensure that I am well-prepared for an academic career that balances composition, research, and teaching.

In addition, M4C provides the opportunity to undertake a funded placement, which is an incredibly valuable aspect of the scholarship. This placement scheme allows PhD researchers to gain hands-on experience within a relevant organisation, fostering skills that extend beyond academia. Whether through working with an arts institution, a research organisation, or an industry partner, this opportunity enhances employability and broadens career prospects, ensuring that I can apply my research in practical and impactful ways. Being part of the Midlands4Cities cohort has also provided an enriching academic community.

Engaging with other M4C scholars through networking events, training sessions, and collaborative projects across 2 or more universities funded by AHRC M4C has encouraged interdisciplinary exchange and created opportunities for research collaborations. The structured annual meetings have been particularly beneficial, offering a platform to assess my progress, receive constructive feedback, and refine my work within a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Ultimately, the Midlands4Cities scholarship has provided me with the financial security, academic resources, and professional development opportunities necessary to thrive in my PhD. By funding essential research activities, enabling conference participation, supporting training and placement opportunities, and fostering a strong scholarly community, M4C has been instrumental in preparing me for a successful career.

The University of Birmingham stands out as a leading institution for research in music and sound studies, offering world-class facilities that provide an exceptional environment for both creative and academic exploration. One of its most unique assets is the Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST), one of the world’s most advanced multichannel sound diffusion systems. BEAST provides an unparalleled platform for immersive and spatialised sound research, allowing composers and researchers to experiment with large-scale, high-resolution audio environments. The regular BEASTFEAST and MiniBEAST concerts further enrich this ecosystem, fostering an active and innovative research culture constantly inviting leading international researchers, such as Gerriet Sharma and Mariam Rezaei.

Beyond BEAST, the university boasts state-of-the-art electroacoustic music studios, equipped with cutting-edge recording, mixing, and spatial audio technologies. These studios support both research and creative practice, ensuring that students and staff have access to industry-leading tools for electroacoustic composition, sound analysis, and performance.

The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research is another defining feature, particularly in my own field, where music intersects with human geography and urban studies. The ability to work within a research-intensive environment that encourages collaboration across disciplines enhances the depth and impact of my work.

Additionally, Birmingham’s performance spaces, including the Bramall Music Building, offer high-quality venues for concerts, workshops, and research presentations, further supporting a vibrant and engaged musical community. This combination of cutting-edge technology, research support, and a thriving artistic culture makes the University of Birmingham a truly unique and inspiring place to conduct my research.