Richard Vella

Richard Vella is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia's Conservatorium of Music and Conjoint Professor at the University of Newcastle. He holds extensive academic leadership roles including former Chair and Professor of Music at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium (2007-2019), Head of School of Creative Arts at University of Newcastle (2008-2013), and current Chair of Academic Board at SAE University College. His research focuses on composition, interdisciplinary arts, and music industry studies.

• Education: Master of Arts in Music Composition from La Trobe University
• Affiliations: Founding artistic director of Calculated Risks Opera Productions, co-founder of New Music Articles (NMA), and director of CECAR (2013-2019)

His music explores intersections between music and other disciplines, including collaborations in opera, film, and science. Notable works include orchestral compositions like Colours of Memory, film scores such as Travelling Light, and interdisciplinary projects like the Musical Environments textbook.

Research highlights include the ARC-funded study on Australian music exports (Born Global, 2019) and hermeneutic explorations in composition documented in Meditations on Music and Spirit. Awards include the 2022 Senior Research Award and multiple industry recognitions.

Supervised over 30 PhD students in music, performance, and interdisciplinary arts. Active in curriculum development, notably reforming the University of Newcastle’s music program to emphasize collaboration and syncretism.