“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.”

- David Viscott

Bio

My Story

Early Childhood

Born in the bustling city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, I was introduced to one of life’s first magical experiences: music. The vibrant sounds of the city, from the melodious calls to prayer echoing from nearby mosques to the rhythmic beats of rickshaw bells, formed the backdrop of my earliest memories.

I grew up in a family deeply devoted to Eastern Classical music. My mother was a talented singer who performed on radio and television, sharing her voice with audiences across the nation. My father had spent his youth as a wandering bohemian singer, performing throughout Bangladesh. My sister committed herself to studying classical music for 13 years, gaining extensive knowledge and skill in the art form.

And of course, when you’re born into a family where everyone excels in the same field, you’re bound to face an identity crisis. Despite showing musical talent from childhood, I found myself yearning for a distinct identity. I made a solemn vow to myself: I would be anything in life, but not a musician. Unfortunately (or fortunately), that vow didn’t last for too long.

 

Rebelious Youth

I stumbled upon rock music in high school, and it was nothing short of a revelation. This discovery opened my eyes not only to a different genre of music but also to a type of freedom I had never known before. Unlike the traditional Eastern Classical music I grew up with, which involved singing and practising age-old songs that had been performed countless times, rock music offered me an opportunity for genuine self-expression. I could write my own lyrics, create my own melodies, and then play and sing them myself. This newfound creative liberty completely transformed my perspective on music. Suddenly, music wasn’t just about perfecting existing pieces; it became a powerful tool for personal expression and exploration. This realisation marked a significant turning point in my relationship with music, challenging my childhood vow and opening up exciting new possibilities.

My passion for rock music led me to learn the guitar, an instrument I quickly fell in love with. As my skills improved, I formed my first band, KrOnic. My dedication and talent soon caught attention, and I was invited to join Aurthohin, a prominent band in Bangladesh. With this, I became the youngest member ever to play at this level in the country’s band music history. For the next decade, I immersed myself in the world of music, taking on various roles such as session musician, live performer, studio recordist, and producer. Each role offered new experiences and deepened my understanding of the art.

 

A Fork in the Road

I faced the harsh realities of the music industry in Bangladesh, where career opportunities were limited and financial stability was hard to come by. Despite my unwavering passion and the years I had poured into my musical journey, I had to make the difficult decision to step back and pursue a different career path. It was a bittersweet transition, moving away from a world that had shaped so much of who I was. Yet, it was a step I needed to take to secure a more stable future, even if it meant leaving behind a part of my heart.

I turned my focus to academics and pursued a degree in Mass Communication in Bangladesh, which laid the groundwork for my future endeavours. Eager to expand my horizons, I then moved to Australia to study International Communication. Armed with new knowledge and perspectives, I returned to Bangladesh and ventured into the world of advertising. There, I found massive success, working with international brands and charities on both commercial and social advertising campaigns.

My journey didn’t stop there. I transitioned into academia, becoming a lecturer in Advertising and Public Relations. Once again, I found success, publishing my first international works and playing a key role in launching the country’s first campus radio. This new chapter allowed me to blend my passion for communication with my desire to inspire and educate others.

 

Back Where the Heart Belongs 

With an offer in hand for an M.Res. leading to a PhD in Communications, I made the significant decision to move to Australia. However, moving countries is a mammoth change, and it prompted me to reflect on my life. I thought, if I was going to start over, perhaps I could reignite my age-old passion for music. This led to a complete turnaround as I enrolled in a Bachelor of Music at Western Sydney University, where I earned numerous awards and recognitions along the way.

Despite my achievements, I was still unsure about how to shape a music career that would truly satisfy my soul. It was then that I discovered Music Therapy. The more I learnt about it, the more I felt drawn to this field. What could be more rewarding than using my passion to help others? I enrolled in and completed a Master of Creative Music Therapy, becoming a Registered Music Therapist. Now, my journey has taken me on a new adventure as I embark on a PhD in music therapy. I intend to savour every moment of this exciting path.

 

Learning & experience

Curriculum Vitae

Honours & Achievements

Best Music Therapy Research Proposal Presentation

2021

Dean’s Medal

2020

Marianne Rosenberg Memorial Musicology Award

2020

Dean’s Merit list

2019

Dean’s Merit list

2020

Dean’s Merit list

2021

turramurra music technology award

2019

member of golden key international honour society

2019

opportunity scholarship

2017

opportunity scholarship

2018

opportunity scholarship

2019

education

Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia

Ongoing: Doctor of Philosophy

2021: Master of Creative Music Therapy (With Distinction)

2019: Bachelor of Music (Dean’s Scholar) (With Distinction)

Macquarie University, NSW, Australia

2007: Master of Arts in International Communication

East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

2005: Bachelor of Science in Communication & Information Technology

Publications

Book Chapter

  • Genilo, J. W., & Chowdhury, I. A. (2014). Public Relations in Bangladesh: Past Discourses, Future Trends. In Bangladesh’s Changing Mediascape: From State Control to Market Forces (pp. 335–357). Intellect Ltd.

Journal Article

  • Genilo, J. W., Akther, M., & Chowdhury, I. A. (2011). A Survey of Public Relations Practice in Bangladesh. Media Asia, 38(4), 191–199.

Creative Works

Others

  • Chowdhury, I. A. (2012). From Audience to Advertiser: Applying Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory to Teaching Advertising. In Case Studies in Active Learning. University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh.
  • Chowdhury, I. A., & Datta, S. (2010, October 1). Business Journalism Made Easy. ICE Business Times.

Professional Music Experience

IMCHOWDHURY

(Solo Act)
Producer

2004 – Ongoing

    • Released album and numerous singles (details provided under ‘Publications’).

KRAL

(Rock Band)
Producer/Composer/Vocalist

2004 – Ongoing

    • Currently producing the band’s debut album.
    • Produced & published various singles (details provided under ‘Publications’).

ROCK LINK

(Musical program sponsored by Banglalink and aired on ATN Bangla)

Script and General Advisor for the program, through episodes 1 till 8

2005

 

AURTHOHIN

(Rock Band)
Vocalist/Guitarist

2002 – 2004

    • Performed in innumerable concerts in Bangladesh.
    • Provided vocal performance for Authorhin’s third album entitled “Notun Diner Michhiley.”

KRONIC

(Rock Band)

Producer/Composer/Vocalist/Bassist

1998 – 2005

    • Produced & published the band’s debut album ‘Asroy’ and single ‘Ditio Prohor’ (details provided under ‘Publications’).
    • Performed in numerous concerts in Dhaka.

Additional Professional Experience

TORONGO THERAPYPLUS   

Registered Music Therapist / Director
2022 – Ongoing        
  • Conduct music therapy sessions with individuals.
  • Manage any and all administrative tasks including human resource management.
  • Developed website, all resources and business processes.

 

NORO (NORDOFF-ROBBINS) MUSIC THERAPY          

Registered Music Therapist / Program Facilitator
2020 – 2022        
  • Conducted individual and group music therapy sessions and the Supported Music Lessons program
  • Administered adapted music lessons to NSW ‘Rural Fire Services’ volunteers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Assisted with day-to-day administrative tasks

 

DIABETES NSW & ACT         

Consumer Services Officer
20152021        
  • Educate people about general health aspects related to diabetes, along with policies & services provided by various institutions helping diabetics live a better life.
  • Manage administrative tasks and training of fresh recruits.

 

INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Communications Consultant
2014 – 2015        
  • Responsible for all external/internal communications, including social media presence. Supervised monitoring and revision of policies for the NGO’s micro-credit program in Chouddogram, Comilla and Shitakunda, Chittagong in Bangladesh.
  • Researched prospects and developed necessary frameworks for a ‘Minimally invasive education’ program targeted towards rural children without access to formal education facilities.

 

UNIVERSITY OF LIBERAL ARTS BANGLADESH (ULAB), DHAKA, BANGLADESH         

Lecturer / Senior Lecturer (Department of Media Studies & Journalism)
2008 – 2014        

Teaching:

  • Delivered a total of 12 – 15 hours of lectures per week (39 weeks per year) for an assortment of units at the undergraduate level.
  • Design and delivered course contents, performed assessment and overall student evaluation for the courses English for the Media, Multimedia Production, Advanced Multimedia Production, Economic Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, Propaganda, Persuasion & Public Discourses, Global Communications, and Copywriting.

Administrative:

  • Researched & developed the MSJ department’s curricula – Business Journalism, Digital Film & TV Productions & Public Relations in collaboration with other MSJ faculties.
  • Regularly advised students and students’/departmental/university activities including – MSJ department’s curriculum integration programs & exhibits, seminars, roundtable discussions & freshmen orientation programs.
  • Developed all technical & organizational frameworks (including student-recruitment) as the Founding Advisor of ULAB’s campus radio entitled “ULAB Radio CampBuZz!”
  • Founding Advisory Editor of ULAB students’ newspaper “The ULABian.”

 

BITOPI LEO BURNETT, DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Copywriter
2007 – 2008                       

Grameenphone:

  • Regular Copywriter and concept developer for Grameenphone Business Solutions & Xplore promotional campaigns.
  • Concept co-developer of the Grameenphone Television Commercial for December 16th 2007; Victory Day.

 Djuice:

  • Regular Copywriter & concept developer for Djuice promotional campaigns.
  • Campaign co-developer for the Djuice brand re-launch in 2008.

UNICEF:

  • Copy & audio production in-charge for the English version of ‘Meena’ educational cartoons revised in Bangladesh.

SMC:

  • Co-developer for the SMC Orsaline Fruity campaign 2008.
  • Co-developer for the launching campaign of SMC Zinc in 2008.

    UNFPA:

  • Co-investigator and developer of HIV/AIDS awareness billboard concepts and messages for the locals of Sylhet and Chittagong based on research findings.

 

Professional Development

  • Registered Music Therapist (ID# 758) with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
  • Certified Neurologic Music Therapist (ID# 5010) with the The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.
  • Attended the AMTA Conference 2023 (October 28-29, 2023), titled “EngagED,” featuring national and international speakers from allied health fields, including music therapy, social work, and psychology.
  • Attended the AMTA Conference 2021 (October 14-17, 2021), titled “Amplify, Integrate and Evolve: the voices of music therapy,” focusing on innovative changes in the music therapy profession and featuring presentations and workshops by clinicians, researchers, and service providers.
  • Completed the course Introduction to Music Production (June 7, 2015) by Loudon Stearns (Professor, Berklee College of Music) on Coursera.org. (View verified certificate at – https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/certificate/L3XAA6VS9A)
  • Completed the course Developing Your Musicianship (December 14, 2014) by George W. Russell, Jr. (Professor, Berklee College of Music) on Coursera.org. (View verified certificate at – https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/certificate/9QSQPQZRLY)
  • Participant in workshop on Active Learning, facilitated by Carolyn Roberts (Professor, University of Oxford). Held on June 2, 2011 in & organized by ULAB, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Certified participant in workshop entitled Building Journalism Case Studies, facilitated by Ralph Frammolino (International Media Consultant). Jointly organized by ULAB & KATALYST. Held on March 3 – 5, 2011 in ULAB, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Certified participant in workshop entitled Course Module Writing, facilitated by Ralph Frammolino (International Media Consultant). Jointly organized by ULAB & KATALYST. Held on January 27 – 29, 2011 in ULAB, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Trained in Student Advising, Techniques, and Practice, conducted by Alex Steele (Visiting Professor, ULAB) & Kate Sullivan (Consultant, Public Health). Held on April 1 – 3, 2010 in & organized by ULAB, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Certified participant in workshop on Participatory Communication Strategies for Community Radio Contents Production, facilitated by Louie Tabing (Instructor, Tambuli foundation). Organized by Asian Media Information & Communication Centre (AMIC), Singapore, in collaboration with Tambuli Foundation, Philippines, and UNESCO. Held on March 4 – 6, 2010 in National Institute for Media and Communication (NIMCO), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Certified participant in the program entitled Community Level Volunteer Training on Collapsed Structure Search, Rescue, Fire-Fighting & First-Aid, facilitated by Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defense in collaboration with Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (CDMP), under Ministry of Food & Disaster Management. Sponsored by – UKAID, European Union, Norwegian Embassy, SIDA, Australian Aid, and UNDP. Held on January 26 – 28, 2012 in & organized by ULAB, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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