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Ryerson Professional Music student at The Creative School Ashley Sienna, 18, has always loved to sing. So, when the pandemic hit, it鈥檚 no surprise that that鈥檚 what she turned to.

鈥淪ometimes, I would stream up to five hours a day,鈥� she said, referring to the platform Sessions, where she would perform live for people all over the world - from her room.

And if she wasn鈥檛 singing - she was writing. To date, she鈥檚 released nearly 30 original songs - with her second EP coming out soon - and says inspiration strikes in the unlikeliest of places.

鈥淚鈥檓 most inspired in the middle of the night鈥� I actually write most of my songs in my walk-in closet, because that鈥檚 where it鈥檚 most quiet,鈥� she said with a laugh.

While it may seem quirky to some, for the Toronto-born singer, who lives in Niagara Falls, Ont., it鈥檚 working.

In 2021, Sessions named Sienna top performer on the platform, giving her the title, 鈥楻ising Star鈥� - and a billboard in L.A. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 so crazy, because I remember dreaming of having a billboard, let alone in L.A. - and it actually happened,鈥� she said.

Another high note came not long after: the opportunity to sing at the Life is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas, where even her idol, Billie Eilish, was performing.

Adding to the excitement? One of her songs is now also being used in a Disney Plus show.

鈥淚 never imagined I would have a sync deal,鈥� she says with a smile.

The Creative School鈥檚 Professional Music program

As Sienna continues to grow her career, she鈥檚 doing a lot more than writing in her closet: she鈥檚 studying in the inaugural year of Ryerson鈥檚 Professional Music program, housed within The Creative School - and says it鈥檚 a perfect fit.

So far, she says the experience is giving her valuable tools - and professors who have been instrumental in guiding her along the way.

鈥淚 recently had the chance to connect with Dalton Higgins and Noah Schwartz. They鈥檝e really helped me and given me advice about how I can grow my music career,鈥� she said.

This May, Sienna will be performing at a launch party to celebrate the program. Hosted by The Creative School, the in-person party will feature live music from students, along with many notable members from the music and media industry. 

Sienna is already excited about what her next year in the program will bring - and in the meantime, she鈥檚 releasing another EP that she describes as 鈥渁 bit on the darker pop side - like Billie Eilish.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 really excited because it鈥檚 a bit different from my other music. I鈥檝e already released a few singles from it and so far I鈥檝e had a really positive reaction,鈥� she said, adding with a smile, 鈥淪tay tuned.鈥�

The Professional Music students have launched a Spotify playlist. To listen in, . 

Related:

• Professional Music (BFA Hons)
• The Creative School