Journey to PhD Study

While doing my first master’s in Iran, I always dreamed of pursuing a PhD abroad. However, I found it challenging to secure a scholarship for a PhD immediately after my master’s. To improve my English and deepen my music knowledge, I decided to pursue a second master’s at The University of Manchester.

After completing my second master, I couldn’t secure funding for a PhD, and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I started looking for jobs, but job opportunities in music composition became scarce. So, I worked as a teaching assistant in various schools in Manchester for two years. Although this role wasn’t related to music, it made me miss the academic environment and the chance that the university gives you to focus on my compositions. After the pandemic, I reapplied and finally started my PhD in Music Compostion.

Focus of your PhD 

In my PhD, I am exploring how to create practices of cross-cultural collaboration for use in compositional methodologies. This practice will lead to a seamless collaborative experience that expands my identity to include others without suppressing differences. For creating such a practice, deep musical knowledge is essential. So is my lived experience of the context in which cross-cultural composition emerges, of which I have extensive experience, including methods allowing interaction between academics and traditionally trained musicians.

My research focuses on integrating Iranian classical music repertoire with cross-cultural methods. This approach utilises my expertise with the Iranian instrument Santoor (pictured), in contrast to other researchers who might study other music cultures but not play the instruments from that culture professionally.

Atefeh Holding the Santoor

Your PhD Highlights So Far

During my PhD, a significant highlight was the numerous commissions I had to compose music. For instance, I composed pieces for prestigious groups such as the Southbank Symphony Orchestra in London and the Bridges Orchestra in Frankfurt. Recently, I also had the opportunity to write music for the BBC Philharmonic ensemble, which was broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Challenges of a PhD 

I discovered within myself a resilience to handle stressful situations, along with effective coping strategies. These include prioritising self-care through exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, which help me navigate through busy and challenging days.

One of the main challenges in my PhD is developing academic writing skills since my research is more practice-based and focuses on music composition. I didn’t anticipate that I would still need to learn how to effectively work with words while continuing to master music notes and composition techniques.

Balancing my PhD responsibilities was challenging in the first year, but I gradually realised that having a structured routine is essential. I dedicate 9 to 5 to PhD work, treating it like a regular job. In the evenings, I allocate time for activities such as exercising, shopping, and cooking. Additionally, I spend part of the weekend on work and jobs unrelated to my PhD while keeping one day entirely free for rest and hobbies to recharge.

You can read and hear more about Atefeh’s compositions by checking out her own website (www.atefeheinali.com)

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