UTSA percussionist Miles Friday to pursue music residency in Germany

APRIL 18, 2025 — UTSA School of Music sound artist, percussionist and educator Miles Friday will embark on a new adventure: a prestigious residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin. The residency will provide Friday with an opportunity to step into one of the most vibrant sound art communities in the world and explore what it means to make music in a global context.

“I’m really excited to dive deep into Berlin’s incredible sound art scene,” Friday shares. “This residency is a chance to expand my artistic horizons, connect with other artists and explore how different communities create and experience sound. I hope it’s like getting a backstage pass to the city’s artistic landscape.”

Known for his interdisciplinary work in contemporary percussion and sonic experimentation, Friday has long sought to push the boundaries of what sound can be. The Berlin residency will give him a chance to immerse himself in an international artistic hub, one that aligns with his creative goals.

“I’m hoping to challenge my existing approach to sound, explore new technological setups and really dig into questions about how people interact with sonic experiences.”

“The international community at Künstlerhaus Bethanien is a huge draw for me,” he explains. “I look forward to being in a space where artists from all over the world are sharing their unique perspectives — the mingling of different artistic ideas is incredibly exciting.”

Friday is especially eager to make use of the resources available during the residency, including studio space and technology that will allow him to explore new techniques and develop large-scale sound-based works.

“Having access to a studio space and technical resources means I can really push boundaries and create new, exciting work,” he adds.

Friday views this opportunity as a moment of both personal and professional growth. His goal isn’t just to make music; it’s to question how people relate to sound, space and society.

“I’m hoping to challenge my existing approach to sound, explore new technological setups and really dig into questions about how people interact with sonic experiences,” he says. “It’s not just about making music; it’s about using sound as a platform to critically think, explore our potential and rethink the way we envision society.”

Collaboration will play a major role during the residency. Friday looks forward to reconnecting with ensembles and artists he’s previously worked with in Europe and welcomes the spontaneous collaborations that often emerge in creative spaces like Berlin.

“I’m thrilled about connecting with ensembles and artists in the area that I’ve worked with before,” he says. “I’m also super excited about unexpected collaborations — the spontaneous and surprising moments of artistic connection that happen when creative people from different backgrounds come together.”

Despite his excitement, Friday is preparing to face new challenges — particularly those that push him beyond familiar ground. Rather than shy away, he plans to embrace those moments of uncertainty as part of the journey.

“The biggest challenge is also the most exciting part — pushing myself out of my comfort zone,” he reflects. “As I understand it, Berlin’s experimental scene is incredibly dynamic, so I aim to absorb as much as possible and embrace as much as I can. I plan to lean into the community, ask questions and reimagine what I think I already know.”

Friday recognizes how Berlin’s long history of sonic experimentation will likely shape his own thinking about music. From early electronic music studios to today’s contemporary sound artists, Berlin offers a living archive of innovation and creative risk-taking.

“Germany has a long and fascinating history of sonic experimentation,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to absorbing that energy, understanding how historical and contemporary sound practices intersect and letting that influence my own work.”

In preparing for his residency, Friday leaned on advice from colleagues and fellow artists — many of whom have helped guide his approach to the experience.

“My favorite advice is to stay curious and be open to collaboration,” he shares. “So, I’m approaching this residency with a sense of artistic adventure and a commitment to learning.”

Outside of his artistic goals, Friday is also looking forward to experiencing Berlin’s everyday rhythm: the public transportation system, the architecture, the energy of its neighborhoods.

“Beyond artistic growth, I’m really looking forward to riding a bike around the city and taking the train,” he says. “The importance of human-centered transportation can’t be understated, and there are some truly fascinating places to explore.”

As he prepares for the months ahead, Friday embodies the spirit of artistic exploration that defines so many at the UTSA School of Music. His journey to Berlin promises to deepen his craft, expand his vision, and bring new insights back to the students and community he continues to inspire.

Friday’s residency begins on July 15 and runs through October 8.

— Suzanna Bridges-Keese