Muhammad Rayhan Sudrajat

(He/him)

13

Articles

3

Comments

Muhammad Rayhan Sudrajat is an ethnomusicologist, musician, sound artist, and PhD researcher at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, and a Richard Chauvel Scholar (2026). His research explores music, sound, migration, diaspora, listening, cultural identity, and belonging, with particular attention to diasporic musical life in Melbourne. He holds an MA by Research in Ethnomusicology and Musicology from Monash University, developed through long-term engagement with music, ritual, and cultural life in Central Kalimantan. Alongside his academic work, Rayhan is an active composer and performer whose practice brings together voice, traditional Indonesian instruments, field recordings, modular synthesis, and live electronics. He has worked across academic, cultural, and artistic contexts in Indonesia and Australia, and has presented work through institutions including Goethe-Institut, Institut Français, TEDx, and Melbourne-based music and cultural platforms. A OneBeat Fellow (2017), he also writes publicly on music, culture, sound, and society, including for The Conversation.

Experience

  • 2022–2025
    Lecturer, Universitas Katolik Parahyangan

Education

  • 2026 
    PhD Researcher, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, Australia, Asian Studies
  • 2020 
    Master of Arts (by Research) — Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Australia., Ethnomusicology & Musicology
  • 2012 
    Bachelor of Arts - Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia, English Studies (Linguistics & Literature)

Publications

  • 2023
    From Indigenous Music to Modular Synthesis, A Journey through the Past and Present.,
  • 2023
    Sounding Indonesia, Indonesians Sounding: A Compendium of Music Discourses,
  • 2020
    The Function and Meaning of the Gandang Ahung in the Hindu-Kaharingan Religion and Ritual of the Tiwah amongst the Katingan Awa, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia ,

Grants and Contracts

  • 2025
    Tawid 2025 Awardees: "Ritual Archives of the River"
    Role:
    Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Tawid Grant, Sonic Entanglements, Southeast Asia
  • 2023
    Sounding Indonesia, Indonesians Sounding: A Compendium of Music Discourses
    Role:
    Co-editor and Contributor
    Funding Source:
    Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE)
  • 2019
    Project ReWIRE Fellowship
    Role:
    Fellow
    Funding Source:
    Multicultural Arts Victoria, VIC Australia
  • 2019
    Synthesis Masterclass Fellowship
    Role:
    Fellow Synthesist
    Funding Source:
    Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio & Red Bull Music, VIC Australia
  • 2018
    Solo concert “AKAR”
    Role:
    Lead Collaborator and Performer
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia
  • 2017
    OneBeat Fellowship
    Role:
    Musician
    Funding Source:
    U.S. Department of State / Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
  • 2016
    Festival Kampung Buntoi
    Role:
    Founder and Director.
    Funding Source:
    Kabupaten Pulang Pisau, Kalimantan Tengah
  • 2009
    Indonesian Embassy Cultural Program Fellowship
    Role:
    Musician
    Funding Source:
    Indonesian Embassy in Brussels, Belgium
  • 2008
    Indonesian Embassy Cultural Program Fellowship
    Role:
    Musician
    Funding Source:
    Indonesian Embassy in Brussels, Belgium

Honours

Richard Chauvel Scholar 2026

Contact Muhammad for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision