Melanie Gray

Darwin NT

Bachelor of Music 2013

How was your experience studying on campus?

It was important to me to study music on campus rather than online as I wanted to be around like-minded musicians and have the personal connection with my teachers. I believe it helped me focus away from my usual busy routine up in the Northern Territory. I found it beneficial to be working with my teachers, peers and singing tutors in close proximity so I could be learning professional skills, increase my own life experiences and get to make solid connections with music specialists in a different part of the country.

How did you find your lecturers/professors?

My mentors and lecturers truly had a heart for getting the best possible outcome for us all. They challenged us yet were very supportive and nurturing of our talents and flaws. I’m not going to lie- it was tough! I was also very homesick as I couldn’t cope with being so cold! Haha But I became a much better singer and well rounded musician because of their guidance, lessons and friendship. To this day I still keep in contact with them.

What was your end goal when you started your Bachelor of Music?

I’ve always wanted to be successful in the music industry as a recording artist but I knew I had to have something tangible to fall back on. I was already working as a music tutor so I knew I needed to get qualified. The NT didn’t have the Bachelor of Music course on offer so I needed to travel interstate but I wasn’t wanting the big city experience. I wanted to have a qualification that gave be credibility as a recording artist and a music teacher and would help me earn the respect of artists and musicians at the top of the industry.

How are you using what you learned in your degree in your professional life?

My degree has given me confidence. Not only did I improve my skills as a singer, entertainer and teacher but it has given me a sense of self respect knowing that I am competent in my field of work because my skills were nurtured, developed and are now validated. Even knowing how to communicate at a higher level of musicianship with other music professionals has given me credibility and respect in my line of work especially as a woman who could easily just be passed off as another ‘diva’ or ‘pretty singer’. I am running my own live entertainment business now and deal with a lot of talented male musicians who respect me as an intelligent musician and business woman and so do the venue owners and event organisers I liaise with.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

My current goal is to become an ambassador for the NT through my music and be a key facilitator that can bring new tourism experiences to the Territory. Running tours, professional music workshops, music festivals and being a key live entertainer for corporate events around Australia. I’m currently taking small steps to develop my branding as an Australiana/Country Singer and turn it into a viable business that will hopefully secure my future within the tourism and music industry.

What does living in the NT mean to you?

The NT is where I thrive. My family are here but I also truly believe we have the most unique lifestyle and experiences on offer. I am creating my own niche up here that is being established on all the tangible tourism hot spots the Top End has on offer. We have the perfect blend of Outback and Cultural Adventures, a quality live music scene, markets filled with authentic flavours from all around the globe, sunsets to die for, a melting pot of race and culture and a stunning new realm of cosmopolitan lifestyle. Our laid back way of life has also been crafted from our reliable, simple weather patterns- it’s hot or really hot! Haha Being up here means I can engulf my talents and creativity in amongst highly sought after tourism experiences which I’m hoping will in turn help to increase my audiences around the globe.