Maria Mifsud

Composer

Malta

Author

About

Music is my life, I consider myself fortunate to call it my hobby and career.

Maria Mifsud is an award winning music composer and producer from Gozo, Malta. She commenced her piano studies at a tender age achieving distinctions and prizes in Trinity Guildhall grades. Later Maria proceeded to learning the violin as her second instrument. At age 18 she became an associate of the Trinity College of Music, London, obtaining the AMusTCL diploma in music theory and composition. Maria also holds the ATCL diploma (distinction) in piano performance. She became a licentiate of the London College of Music, after achieving the LMusLCM diploma in composition. In 2015, Maria graduated with a B.A.(Hons.) in Music, from the University of Malta, where she majored in composition. She entered the semi-finals of Song of the Year and of the UK Songwriting Contest in addition to receiving honorable mentions for her compositions. In 2012 Maria was a winner of the Golden Key Piano Composition Competition, where she was awarded a Malta Arts Fund Bursary to perform her work in the World Young Composers Recital in Vienna. Her composition ‘Checkmate’ was an Award Winning Film Score in The Indie Gathering International Film Festival 2016, Hudson Ohio. In July 2016 Maria graduated with a Masters Degree in Scoring for Film, Television and Video Games from Berklee College of Music, Valencia. Her compositions range from solo instrumental works to full orchestral compositions and electronic scores, choral pieces and various musical ensembles. Maria has composed and produced music for trailers, short films, commercials and dance.

Sheets

Interview

What does music mean to you personally?

Music is my life, I consider myself fortunate to call it my hobby and career.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

I think that fantasy is an important aspect of music since it gives creative flight to the soul into an imaginary universe.

If you were not a professional musician, would would you have been?

Can’t think of anything I would rather do.

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about your future?

There are always uncertainties in the future, but one must focus and enjoy the present. I think classical music will always be a central part of music since it forms part of our culture and heritage.

What do you envision the role of classical music to be in the 21 century? Do you see that there is a transformation of this role?

I think the 20th century is presenting several new opportunities for classical music and musicians. Orchestral concert will remain prominent. More recently hybrid concerts are gaining popularity, classical music is being given a new dimension. This is done through the incorporation of electronic instruments together with traditional orchestral instruments. The result is a mixture of styles and timbres which marks the 21st century.

When I say that classical music is searching for new ways or that the classical music is getting a new face, what would come to your mind?

Classical music can be enjoyed in different ways. The traditional concert hall venue is being changed, classical music concerts can be experienced in different locations such as innovative stages set on water with the use of novel lighting and sound systems.

Do you think that the classical musician today needs to be more creative? What’s the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

Yes, I think creativity is a central aspect in music, since the musician or composer requires this tool to inspire the audiences and instil a love for music. For me the definition of composition is creativity therefore without creativity there is no music.

Do you think we musicians can do something to attract young generation into the classical music concerts? How will you proceed?

Yes, I think more promotion and awareness about classical music can help the younger generation appreciate and value the genre even more.

Tell us about your creative process. Do you have your favourite piece (written by you) How did you start working on it?

My creative process starts with inspiration, which can take the form of a memory, feeling, experience or encounter. The inspiration leads to the formation of a melody together with adjacent harmonic progressions. My favourite composition is Saulelydis which is a piece for solo piano, it was written for a dance project. Saulelydis is available here:

We, Moving Classics TV, love the combination of classical music with different disciplines: music and painting, music and cinematography, music and digital art, music and poetry. What do you think about these combinations?

I think that the combination of the different artistic disciplines highlights the fact of the inter-relatedness of the arts. The underlying element of these combinations is the creativity present in the different artistic expressions. The use of different artistic combinations plays an important role in storytelling in order to project one’s relationship with the universe.

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

I would advise to take up music lessons. Learning an instrument involves physical, mental and emotional discipline which helps maintain balance and structure within one’s existence.

Now it is a common practice in the media to talk that classical music is getting into the consumption business, do you agree? We are speaking about the supply and demand rules and how to sell your “product” in your case your compositions. How do you see it?

Well this is a challenging aspect of music. Some works of art are not fully appreciated and people might find it hard to understand all the energy, commitment and dedication an artist needs in order to achieve a certain level of mastery. One must keep in mind the current market value of works and not under- or over-estimate the “product”. Talking to colleagues and doing research within the music industry also helps the artist take informed decisions.

Do you have expectations with regards your listeners, your audience?

I hope that the audience enjoys and appreciates my music and that it enhances their mood or serves as a means of relaxation, enjoyment or entertainment.

What projects are coming up? Do you experiment in your projects?

For my upcoming project updates make sure to like my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mariamifsudcomposer/

Yes, I do experiment with different techniques and instruments this depends on the particular project in question. I always enjoy new experimental and innovative challenges.

Official website: www.mariamifsud.com