Kirsten Milenko (b. 1993) is an Australian composer, conductor and orchestrator based in Paris. Her music embodies acoustic and electronic settings of an immersive and beautifully strange nature. As a conductor, her work began as an extension of composition and has since evolved across a diverse repertoire for concert and stage.
Takeaways
- Kirsten's unconventional path to composition: She shifted from international relations to music, driven by her passion for playing and improvising on the piano.
- Exploration and finding her voice: Kirsten's composition process involved gradual discovery, moving from improvisation to creating drafts and shaping her pieces by removing unnecessary elements.
- The entrepreneurial side of being a composer: Kirsten emphasized the need to navigate the industry, considering oneself as both an artist and a workplace, addressing aspects like commission rates and score formatting.
- Orchestration skills: Kirsten's natural affinity for orchestration, developed through extensive study, enabled her to adapt compositions to different instrumentations and explore new settings.
- Remixing electronic works for orchestral settings: Kirsten worked on an exciting project, reimagining electronic music using contemporary techniques and creating a new tapestry of sounds.
- Be proactive: Seek opportunities, even if you feel unqualified, and explore different paths to find your own.
- Showcase value: Develop a strong portfolio that highlights your skills and communicates the relevance of your work.
- Expand your horizons: Look beyond your field, find inspiration in other art forms, and learn from diverse trajectories.
- Human connection is key: Cultivate positive relationships, effective communication, and collaboration for a supportive artistic environment.
- Find joy in the process: Enjoy the journey of improvement, exploration, and creating meaningful work.
- Adapt to the industry: Stay open to new possibilities and technology as the music industry evolves.
- Professional attitude: Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and positive interactions with colleagues.
- Personal growth over validation: Focus on your own development and fulfillment rather than external recognition.
- Embrace industry diversity: Explore various roles and career paths within the music industry.
- Human connection is key: Cultivate positive relationships, effective communication, and collaboration for a supportive artistic environment.
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Kristine Dizon
The Modern Artist Project
