Vivien Koh Talks Soundscapes, Paintings And Using Music As A Means Of Self-Expression

Vivien Koh is the self-taught Harpist melding the worlds of musical experimentation and sound design. Here, she talks soundscapes, paintings and using music as a means of self-expression

To say that Vivien Koh’s foray into the world of classical music was an unconventional one would be an understatement. The 28-year-old LASALLE College of The Arts graduate – who studied film, editing and writing – initially took to paint, pastels and textiles as a means of letting off creative steam. After a brief touch-and-go affair with the piano, Koh’s musical interest was piqued again – this time, at the age of 16. “I discovered how to record music using GarageBand. It became apparent that music could be a medium like paint on a canvas. I could use elements of sound to express my ideas. I began to experiment with this, creating soundscapes that reflect the inner world for those who wish to discover it,” she shares.