Lumen Winter 2016 - Flipbook - Page 31
story by Genevieve Sanchez
Sia Furler lends
name to new institute
A new institute of contemporary music and media has been launched
by the University of Adelaide and named after internationally
acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler.
H
oused at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and
drawing on expertise from the Department of Media,
the Sia Furler Institute for Contemporary Music and
Media will build on the University’s already outstanding
contribution to teaching and practice in these fields.
Adelaide-born Sia, who is one of Australia’s most
celebrated and successful creative artists, said it was an
“incredible honour” to have the institute named after her.
The Sia Furler Institute will prepare students for careers
in contemporary music performance and composition,
film, digital and other new media, sound engineering and
music technologies.
“In recognition of Sia’s international fame – and in
keeping with her unique approach to music – we have
established this new institute as an environment in which
contemporary music and media can flourish together,”
said the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President,
Professor Warren Bebbington.
Director of the Elder Conservatorium, Professor Graeme
Koehne, says the University is honoured that Sia has
given permission to have the institute named after her.
“As a performer and songwriter, and one whose creativity
extends equally to video and digital media, Sia has become
an inspiration to young artists the world over – and it’s that
talent we aim to foster through our new institute,” he says.
Students will have the opportunity to learn under
the guidance of experienced artists, academics and
technicians-in-residence, and will showcase their
achievements to public audiences. Masterclasses,
performances and short courses hosted by the Sia Furler
Institute will also be available to the local community.
Australian musician and SBS TV’s RocKwiz band
leader James Black delivered the inaugural lecture at
the University’s Elder Hall in May. In his lecture, What
Makes a Band Sound Good?, James drew on his rich
and celebrated 35-year career as a professional musician.
Watch a message from Sia at
https://youtu.be/HFXyfELmOKo
For more information about the Sia Furler
Institute for Contemporary Music and Media visit
www.music.adelaide.edu.au/sia-furler-institute
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 29
