After completing an MMus in Musicology at Edinburgh, Sio Pan knew that ECA was the right place to study for their PhD. Whilst studying, Sio Pan grasped every opportunity available - this led to contributing to academic journals, presenting at conferences and tutoring at ECA.

Since graduating, Sio Pan has taken their research across the world and after returning home, is aiming to set up their hometown’s first musicology society. 

Why ECA?

I began my journey at ECA when I pursued my master’s degree. The city’s allure and especially the well-structured, cutting-edge curriculum of the MMus Musicology programme were what initially drew me in. However, during my master’s studies, I had the privilege of crossing paths with my supervisor Dr. Benedict Taylor, who became the primary reason for my decision to continue my academic pursuits at ECA. His research aligns closely with my academic interests back then, and he has been immensely supportive during the formative years in my academic life.

Tell us about your time at ECA

During my time at ECA, I engaged in a few roles both within and outside the university. Within ECA, I was a tutor for an undergraduate music history course and served on the editorial board of the college’s peer-reviewed journal 'MUSIC.OLOGY.ECA'. Beyond ECA, I was elected as a member of the Royal Musical Association’s student committee. As part of this role, I collaborated with the Royal Society for Dutch Music History (KVNM) to organise conferences and also served as a co-editor for the conference proceedings. Academically, I had the opportunity to obtain funding for presenting my research at numerous conferences internationally and was honoured to be invited chair a session at the 10th European Music Analysis Congress.

Most of these engagements occurred only later in my second year, however. If I could start again, I would not have spent nearly the entirety of the first one and a half years of my PhD in isolation. My participation in student conferences and study days during the latter phase of my second year was a pivotal turning. It marked my initial connection with fellow PhD students outside ECA and offered an extremely supportive and friendly environment to discuss my research. It is through these experiences that I am motivated to present in settings beyond the student sphere. 

Tell us about your experiences since graduating

When I left, I felt pride in both achieving my PhD and becoming an alumnus of ECA.

My career plan has remained consistent. In both my master’s and PhD application personal statements, I expressed my aspiration to foster more vibrant dialogues within the local music scene of my hometown Macao. This aspiration, despite sounding somewhat clichéd, reflects my genuine passion. I have initiated collaborations with young musicians and scholars from back home to hold workshops and concerts locally. Supported by Fundação Rui Cunha, our lecturer-recital ‘Songs of Wayfarers’ featuring myself, a pianist, and a tenor singer was well received during its presentation in early 2023. Furthermore, we are currently in the process of founding Macao’s first musicological society. Since graduating, I have also maintained my academic pursuits and travelled to Belgrade and Warsaw to present my research. I have also successfully published two articles in peer-reviewed journals, Nineteenth-Century Music Review and Journal of Musicological Research, with more underway.

As I am proceeding with my career, I find that the well-rounded training I received at ECA gives me the confidence that the steps I am taking are deliberate and purposeful.

Alumni wisdom

For those starting their first year, here are my two key pieces of advice. First, avoid isolating yourself, especially if you’re from abroad. Make time to meet friends and connect with peers, their support and diverse perspectives will prove invaluable. Second, do not give up your hobbies. Maintaining a life beyond academics is key to a fulfilling PhD journey. And for those graduating this year, my advice is to take care of yourself, because moving on from the intensity of the PhD to a new chapter in life can, at times, be challenging.