Shyma Elyas

What does music mean to you personally?

Music is a drawing of my emotions. It is my cure and my escape.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

Music can be about fantasy and reality, music can be about everything.

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

A visual artist.

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

Yes, a little bit, we have to find more attractive ways for the younger generation. I also believe that proper education has a big impact.

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

I see some transformation, but I believe this is what makes music special, every generation or era has its own transformation depending on its time. In comparison with the past times and eras, classical music now is more involved with movie scores, media, video games along with live performances. Musicians are able to share their works on the Internet. Also, the instruments' improvements and technology affect the quality and sound. Classical music is going more minimalistic, more direct, and easy to listen to.

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

The word “Creative” has different meanings for different people. For me, a creative musical composition is the one that touches the audience's hearts and emotions and has the power to deliver a certain story.

Do you think we as musicians can do something to attract the younger generation to music concerts? How would you do this?

Yes, I believe that well-composed music for some work like the movie scores, or video games would attract the younger generation to attend a live concert of it.

Tell us about your creative process. What is your favorite piece (written by you) and how did you start working on it?

My favorite piece I composed is “Falling Petals”. It was about the fear of endings, the pain of losing what we used to have as a part of us, it is the wonders we can't find its answers as life takes us on its path.

The second piece is “a Year”. It was actually inspired by 2020 events. It was a tough year ending with hope for people all around the world. It was like 2020’s timeline running on my head with some sort of hope.

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

I would say, listen to different types of classical music from different times and eras. Learn about their stories, reasons of composing, bios and personality of the composer, and events of their time. it’s all makes sense together. All this can really tell us so much to learn from and discover the best of classical music.

Do you think about the audience when composing?

Yes. I want to tell something through my music. Whether it’s stories or certain emotions.

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

I like to experiment, and I’m interested in creating music that focuses on people's wellness that helps them to meditate and relax. I would like to reach the brain along with the emotions because we are living a fast life full of daily stress. I also would like to continue composing my own works and learn to play different forms and styles of classical music.