Student Spotlight - Sofiia Fylypiv
Did you know that UHI Perth is the longest established audio engineering department in Scotland, and one of the first ever in the UK? Our reputation in industry is second to none and our lecturers have had successful careers in the audio industry, so you can be sure that you are taught by experts in their field.
In the blog this week, we meet first year Audio student - Sofiia - to hear how she has found her time so far 👇
You currently live in Scotland, but you are originally from Ukraine. When did you move here and how have you found living in Scotland?
Yes, that's correct! I arrived at Edinburgh Airport on 27 June 2022. Since then, Scotland has become my refuge and is slowly starting to feel like my second home.
My journey to Scotland was filled with significant events, so being surrounded by the constant nature here has been incredibly grounding. The serene landscapes help me slow down and find peace. I haven't had the chance to see seals yet... are there any places you'd recommend for seal spotting? 🦭
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m studying HNC Sound Production and have almost finished my first year.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
That's an interesting question. I was studying business and economics at the time, and my relatives were telling me that pursuing music wouldn't serve me well. It felt like I had to choose which ‘food’ was more essential to me - financial or emotional.
I was always writing music and sharing it with my friends. One of them grew tired of seeing me exhausted and unhappy after my economics classes. She noticed how joyful I was when creating music, so she took the initiative to find a course for me.
I believe the answer to your question could have been shorter, but I wanted to highlight the importance of having supportive people around you. Sometimes, you just can't handle everything on your own. To this day, I'm incredibly thankful that she gave me that push and encouraged me to apply.
What were you doing in the Ukraine before you came to study at UHI Perth? Were you in school or did you have a job?
I try not to dwell on that time too much, as it can be overwhelming, and I don't want to miss out on the positive experiences and people in my life here.
Back home, I was an ordinary kid from a challenging family environment. I attended both regular school and music school. I always tried to have some kind of side job to afford sessions with my psychologist. It's a glimpse into real life.
Why did you decide to pick this course at UHI Perth?
At that point, I felt like I didn't have much of a choice. I was studying something that was draining me, and my life wasn't in a good place either. I needed a breath of fresh air. I had no idea where I was heading, but this time, I decided to trust my gut.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
You know, I find it really hard to expose myself and become vulnerable in real life - mainly, due to the fear of being hurt or rejected. Even writing this feels so... but the course itself is where I get to expose my soul and know that I won’t be hurt at all. It’s my safe space, my escape from the overwhelming world sometimes.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Plenty, but now that I think about it, one stands out the most: the day I entered the building for the first time. I was so nervous that morning. I’d always dreamt that my family would be with me - seeing the building, the area, and waiting for me to come out of the interview, ready to be happy with me, or to support and reassure me that it’s not the end of the world. But that day, I woke up on my own. I was afraid that if I got rejected this time, I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I called my friend (from Ukraine) on the way, and one phrase stuck with me: “Sofiia, go there and act from knowing that you’ve already lost and have nothing to lose.” That was the quickest brainwash I’ve ever experienced. So, I let myself enjoy the process.
I’m from a tiny village in Ukraine - I had never been in studios like that before. It was a shock to see the mixing desk, but I was trying to keep it cool! My heart melted straight away. I was secretly taking pictures and sending them to my family.
Later, after the interview, I called them - and as you can see, we were happy that I got accepted. When I left the building that day, I started seeing more colours than just black and white.
What knowledge, skills, and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I'm not quite ready to think about leaving UHI Perth just yet, but I can definitely share what I've gained so far.
Over the past year, I've accumulated a wealth of experiences and knowledge. I was actually starving for experience, communication, and good music. One significant personal growth area has been developing patience. Previously, if I didn't grasp something immediately in class, I'd become quite upset. Recognising this, my lecturers patiently guided me to understand the complexities of my work and taught me to appreciate the entire learning process. Embracing the idea of giving things time has been invaluable, and I'm now applying this lesson in my daily life.
As I began internalising this approach (though it's still a work in progress), I started seeking out internships and participating in competitions. To date, I've had the opportunity to shadow sessions and live gigs in Glasgow and also shadowed an audio engineer for a leading theatrical performance in London.
With the second semester coming to a close, I'm looking forward to taking a moment to breathe and embrace another piece of advice from my lecturers: recognising the equal importance of pauses in the process, not just the rush.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
After throwing myself into real-life recording sessions and experiencing everything possible, I've learned that I need to keep most things to myself. This is hard - we human beings need people around. No one in my surroundings talks about ‘Neve preamps’ or how sometimes it's annoying to mix when there was no click track!
So, I believe lecturers are becoming my only safe space to say everything I feel, and I know that I won't be judged at all. I've seen quite a bit, and I've realised how important it is to have people like that, so I do value their impact and presence on my pathway.
What do you like about the campus? Are the audio engineering facilities good?
I really enjoy that the building where I study is located right next to a primary school. The kids' pure energy is contagious, and hearing what Gen Alpha is listening to keeps me updated and trendy.
As for the facilities, I'm in love with the studios. However, the computers in room 511 have a tendency to crash, which has trained us to be more resilient to failures. I'm not sure if that's part of the course... 😄
Interestingly, these crashes have led to shared complaints among students, and through these interactions, I've made new friends from older years who have experienced the same issues. Perhaps it's a sneaky plan by UHI to foster new friendships!
All jokes aside, the community here is incredibly supportive, and the facilities are top-notch. Despite the occasional technical hiccup, it's a great place to learn and grow.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Nothing that will surprise you - cooking, reading, sports, and travelling. Speaking of travelling, I might actually have something interesting. While everyone else is busy taking pictures, I record sounds. My most recent one was captured in a park. I guess you could say I'm building a Foley library one park bench at a time. Who needs souvenirs when you have the rustle of leaves and distant dog barks?
You have made the final ten nominees for the Charles Parker Prize for best student radio feature. Congratulations! How did it feel to hear that you had been nominated? Can you tell us about your entry and what was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! Honestly, I didn't realise how significant this was until I saw myself on the website and received an interview request. Being nominated felt pretty awesome! As for the entry and inspiration - well, here's the thing:
Everything I did this year was for my graded unit module portfolio. So, when I came across this competition, I thought, "I've never done something like this before; it would be nice to try and add it to my portfolio." Simple as that. And then I just started working on it.
I try not to think about it too much. After all, I applied in the past, the results haven't been announced yet - so that's in the future, and I have deadlines now - so that's in the present.
Sofiia’s entry to the competition, “Ukraine to Scotland – Musical Journey” is a moving 14-minute sound feature that tells her story of a young woman escaping a war zone to her becoming a UHI audio student. Mixing narration and sound effects, it is a personal account of her experiences and how others view her. UHI Perth Associate Professor, David Paterson, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Sofiia. As this is our first entry from UHI into this competition and to make the final nominees, shows the outstanding quality of her entry."
When you finish your HNC at UHI Perth, what do you plan to do next?
I try not to plan at all just follow my flow.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I don't feel like giving advice right now; I'm usually the one who asks for it. However, one thing I've realised is that the more you care about something, the less you should seek random external advice. Instead, listen to your inner self - the body always knows what's right for you at that very moment.
