Maya Sherriff
News
The power of music
Wednesday, 25 June, 2025Music has always been a powerful method of self-expression. Being able to tell a story without words, reflecting on your own experiences, or as first year Commercial Music student Maya Sherriff puts it: becoming a form of resilience.
Maya was born with Vein of Galen Malformation (VGM), a rare vascular condition where arteries in the brain connect directly to veins, bypassing the normal capillary network. Having spent a large portion of her childhood in and out of various lifesaving operations, it was her mother Tanya that first encouraged her musical passions while she would play to Maya in hospital.
From attending a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) school with just three GCSEs before sixth form college, university originally felt like a faraway dream. However, realising her ability and growing in confidence, Maya left Strode College with both the Overall Vocational Student of the Year and Success Against the Odds awards, a meaningful testament to her challenging, yet transformative, educational journey thus far. After joining BSU this past September, Maya’s music has gone from strength to strength. Speaking about her adjustment to university life, Maya commented:
“I’ve really enjoyed my first year at Bath Spa on Commercial Music. Semester 1 was definitely a challenge—adjusting to university life and a new way of learning took time. But by Semester 2, I found my rhythm, made more friends, gained confidence, and started to really enjoy the creative side of the course.”
Despite finding her groove, living with Vein of Galen Malformation still affects Maya’s day to day life. Causing abnormal blood flow and therefore extreme fatigue, her schedule requires a bit more planning. Especially with gigs, managing her energy levels during the day is vital to playing performances in the evening.
Determined not to let her disability hold her back, Maya is currently part of two different bands at BSU. The first is The Electric Kool Aid Collective, a six-piece psychedelic rock band, in which she plays keyboards and sings backing vocals. Taking inspiration from artists like Jefferson Airplane, Steely Dan, The Doors, and The Velvet Underground they play homage to vintage experimental sound with their own twist.
The second band is Goldy Martin, a four-piece jazz fusion group where Maya plays piano. Taking inspiration from old jazz standards and classic artists they add a modern jazz flare to create a unique sound. Maya said:
“Being involved in both bands allows me to explore different styles and grow as a musician in different ways, which I really enjoy.
Being part of The Electric Kool Aid Collective is so important to me; it’s what makes my experience at university so positive. We’ve had some amazing gig opportunities across Bath and Bristol, including our recent performance at BSU’s Summer Ball this May—it was a huge event and such a great atmosphere to be part of.”
With two years left on her course and a field of different career paths available, Maya is hoping to pursue music in some form after graduating, potentially continuing with her bands if they stay together past university.
If you have been inspired by Maya’s journey and think exploring music could be your next passion, check out some of the many School of Music and Performing Arts courses available at BSU.