Celebrating our graduates – Hayden Ryan

Despite the difficulties of studying during COVID-19, RMIT music industry graduate and Yuin man from Narooma, Hayden Ryan has made the most of every opportunity as an RMIT student.

“It honestly feels amazing [to be graduating]. I’m glad that I have completed my first university degree and upset that I must move on, but the future seems to hold some exciting things for me, which I look forward to.”

After completing his first semester Hayden took a three-week study tour to Malaysia with students from Ngarara Willim, the trip helping to influence his future aspirations. Following his trip, he landed an internship at Warner Music Group as a part of his work-integrated learning component and co-facilitated a Global Leadership session with Archie Roach and Mitch Tambo.

Outside of his coursework, Hayden developed a unique virtual instrument app that focuses on Indigenous sounds, allowing the user to digitally interact and compose with Aboriginal instruments.

Outside of his coursework, Hayden is developing M.O.O.N (Music Of Our Nation), a platform for First Nations sound art that includes a prototype app called Djagula. The app will eventually be an archive of playable Aboriginal instruments that will allow the user to digitally interact and compose with the music.

“What makes the program unique is its spatial component, which places the instrument in the environment where First Nations people would usually perform with said instrument.”

Image of a student covered in paint wearing sunglasses

2021 graduating RMIT Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) student Hayden Ryan.

Life after uni

Hayden was awarded the Aurora Indigenous Scholarship, offered by the American Australian Association. The scholarship provides USD $40,000 to complete a Masters at an American institution of his choosing and will allow Hayden to further his studies in spatial and immersive audio in the context of Indigenous sound studies.

“I am hoping to complete either a Master of Arts in Music, Science and Technology at Stanford, or a Master of Arts in Music Technology at NYU,” said Hayden.

Advice for new students

“Make the most out of it. You’re provided with so many resources, loads of support, and a tonne of opportunities that will assist you in achieving the goals that you set yourself. And don’t forget to think about what you want to do when you finish!”

Story by Ellen Singleton

16 November 2021

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Celebrating our graduates – Hayden Ryan