Through the Bradford Digital Creatives programme—supported and funded by Arts Council England, Bradford 2025, Born in Bradford and Bradford Council—we’re thrilled to work with a diverse group of artists who bring their expertise and passion to classrooms across the district. One of them is Nikki Sheth, a sound artist whose practice centres on listening to the world around us—especially the natural world—in new and creative ways.
We spoke with her about what inspired her journey into sound art, how she makes this unique art form accessible to young people in Bradford, and what happens in a typical workshop session.
Inspired by the sounds of nature
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the garden with my grandma, listening to the sounds of nature,” she recalls. “That interest stayed with me.”
While studying Music at university, an exchange trip to Australia opened the door to experimental sound art. “I took modules in electronic music and electroacoustic composition when I got back. I really enjoyed it—so much so that I did a Master’s in Electroacoustic Composition and eventually a PhD in Musical Composition specialising in field recording and soundscape composition.”
Today, she’s driven by a clear mission: “I want to bring a wider awareness of natural soundscapes and environmental issues to the public through creative composition.”
Teaching young people to really listen
Much of Nikki’s work including with Bradford Digital Creatives—is about helping young people develop a new way of listening.
“I think the first step is simply to get them to really listen,” she explains. “That means taking off headphones and tuning in to sounds around them—noticing what’s in the foreground or in the distance, or sounds that usually go unheard. Using a field recorder is like magnifying these sounds. I love seeing the spark in young people’s eyes when they suddenly hear things they’ve never noticed before.”
She also uses creative exercises like drawing or writing about the sounds they hear, encouraging students to think about listening in a completely new way.
Why Bradford Digital Creatives?
Bradford Digital Creatives is all about giving young people access to new tools, artforms and ideas—a mission that aligns perfectly with Nikki’s own approach.
“I was really interested in the idea of teaching students new technologies,” she says. “Showing them how to use zoom field recorders, getting started with the DAW Reaper, and composing creatively with sound.
“My aims are to encourage people to listen to and engage with sounds of the natural world, become more aware of environmental issues, and to break down barriers students may face when learning new technologies. I love sharing my knowledge with the next generation and seeing them inspired by sounds of wildlife and nature.”
“It’s incredible to hear the finished works and the diversity of what students produce, and to see how each student has thought about and worked with their sounds in their own way.”
Making sound art accessible
Sound art can be an unfamiliar or even intimidating concept for some students—especially those who don’t see themselves as artistic.
“The first step is to explain it in an easy-to-understand way,” Nikki explains. “I share different examples of sound art that they can relate to. We’ll do listening exercises where they draw, describe or discuss the sounds they hear.
“The most important thing is that students enjoy themselves and understand there’s no one right way to be creative.” She adds. “It’s about exploring your own interests and developing your own unique voice as an artist.”
Hopes for the future
Ultimately, Nikki hopes students come away from her workshops with more than just new technical skills.
“I hope they feel inspired by the sounds of nature, start listening more actively in their own lives, and have an enriching experience creating their own compositions. Maybe it will even inspire them to keep working with field recordings, Reaper, or creative composition in the future.”
And her advice for any young person who wants to keep exploring sound art?
“You don’t need fancy equipment to get started—your phone is enough. What matters is the way you work with those sounds. Just get out there and give it a try!”
About Bradford Digital Creatives
Bradford Digital Creatives is a two-year pilot project empowering young people to tell their own stories through digital artforms, working with professional artists from Bradford and beyond. Backed by Arts Council England, the project is a collaboration between the National Science and Media Museum, Born in Bradford (Age of Wonder), Bradford Council, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Bradford Cultural Education Partnership.
Find out more on our website and follow #ImADigitalCreative on social media.