Experimental composer wins future leader award

Sydney Conservatorium of Music student Alexis Weaver is one of three University of Sydney students recently recognised by the National Council of Women NSW for their significant accomplishments.

Each year the National Council of Women of NSW works with universities throughout the state to identify high-achieving women from all areas of study. University of Sydney students Alexis Weaver, Madeleine Causbrook and Casey Gallagher were three of 12 women from NSW who were awarded for their academic strength, resilience and dedication at the 2018 National Council of Women of NSW Australia Day Awards. “We stand in awe of the exciting achievements, the dedication and devotion shown, as well as the diversity of their chosen fields,” the council's President, Annie Kiefer, said in her address.

Students were nominated for the award by academic staff and, once selected, invited to attend a lunch at State Parliament House, Sydney, with their academic mentor.

“It is essential that young artists and creators see people like themselves in the field and that only happens through having accessible, visible female role models," Alexis Weaver said.

Alexis is an electroacoustic composer, manipulating recordings to create music and soundscapes. Having finished a Bachelor of Music (Composition) with honours in 2017 at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Alexis is looking forward to commencing a master's degree this year.

“This award, sponsored by the Women's Club, is a vote of confidence in the work I have done in my honours year and of what I will do in the future. It will take some of the financial pressure off while I commence my studies and could allow me to buy sound equipment, study resources, or support travel,” Alexis said.

Alongside her creative pursuits, Alexis is an advocate of gender equality in the music industry. Under the supervision of Professor Liza Lim, she undertook a study that delved into gender visibility within the field of Australian electroacoustic composition. She plans to continue this research project in her postgraduate studies to address the gender imbalance across the music industry and to generate a greater awareness of the contributions of female composers.