16 Feb Students Speak: Nishtha Sood
The student community at GMI cuts across age groups, musical backgrounds, and interests. The Student Speak Series aims to give a platform to their voices and stories, share what drew them to GMI, how they see their artistry maturing, and their path forward.
“A core memory I remember is when I would rush home after school and listen to songs on 9XM and VH1. If I liked a song I would write it down in my book, especially artists like Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Miley Cyrus, and Adele. It was a period of time I think fondly of and a special souvenir I hold onto.”
Warm, approachable and trusting, talking with Nishtha is similar to catching up with an old friend. They take us through their artistic journeys of being a musician and what keeps them inspired. We shared a conversation about music and all the challenges that come with it, however, it is also one of the most rewarding outlets for them. “Music heals people and it has helped me throughout my life, I want to spread more of that. I want to be able to teach everything that I am learning and provide people with the tools I lacked at a point in time. That is what music is about to me.”
Nishtha Sood identifies as non-binary and uses ‘they/them’ pronouns and is currently enrolled in the Artist Diploma as a Vocalist at Global Music Institute. We at Global Music Institute also offer courses for performances and production to fuel the passion many have for music.
Below are the excerpts from a conversation exploring her musical beginnings and inspirations.
Read on to learn more about Nishtha Sood.
When did you become interested in music?
I started learning to sing when I was six and never really stopped since.. A teacher used to give me home tuition when I was really young and then I joined an institute to learn Indian Classical Vocals. I have a Senior Diploma from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad University, and am currently pursuing Sangeet Prabhakar (BA Music) along with my studies here at GMI.
What drew you to study at GMI?
The western music curriculum, the faculty and Berklee Affiliation. Before coming here I talked to a lot of students from GMI and they gave me really positive feedback about the program and the faculty. The vibe here is super artistic and I feel like I can really be myself here.
A memorable experience at GMI:
Voice Lab activity with Amira Gill– improv circle. We all sat in a group in a classroom. There were no lights, the blinds were shut in silence. Amira looped some chords and we had to improvise and sing on them while supporting the entire group, one by one, with our eyes closed. It was really therapeutic. I felt like I was in another galaxy, floating in space, doing what I do best, doing what I love, singing, and going to different places with my voice. I felt really emotional when it ended and that’s an experience I will never forget. I unlocked a core memory in my brain. Know more about Amira Gill and her teaching at Global Music Institute.
A fun fact about yourself:
I have a very low pain tolerance so it’s always a nightmare for my tattoo and piercing artist whenever I visit them as I end up wailing in the studio lmao.
Your favorite food:
Penne Pasta in Basil Pesto Sauce
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Probably would’ve appeared for UPSC exams as that’s something my family expected me to do after I finished my Bachelor’s in Bcom Honors from Delhi University in 2022.
An artist that currently inspires you:
Kelly Clarkson
A track that currently inspires you:
Run To You – Whitney Houston
Your musical idol:
Adele
Your dream collaboration:
either with Ajay Atul or with Finneas Baird O’Connell
How do you spend your free time?
Painting, doing DIY projects at home, taking care of my plants
A quote that keeps you going/ inspires you:
“A year later you’d wish that you had started today”
An instrument you wish you could play/ want to learn:
Cello & Drums
Written by Naman
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