Dr Jesse Austin-Stewart staff profile picture

Contact details +64 (04) 801 5799

Dr Jesse Austin-Stewart B.Music, B.Music(Hons), PhD

Lecturer

School of Music and Screen Arts

Dr Jesse Austin-Stewart (he/him) is a composer, sound artist, producer, and researcher based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. He is currently a lecturer at Massey University in the School of Music and Screen Arts Te Rewa o Puanga.

As a physically disabled and neurodivergent person, Jesse's research seeks to promote accessibility for tāngata whaikaha Māori, d/Deaf, and disabled peoples within music and the creative industries.

 As a sound artist and composer, Jesse’s work explores ways to make the field more inclusive. He has composed for contemporary dance and film and created performance art works and sound installations. His works have been exhibited across Aotearoa, Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, Sweden, USA, and more.

Jesse is a recipient of the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Springboard Award and has been nominated for the international Sound of the Year Awards. His work has represented Aotearoa numerous times and has received nominations at the Student Radio Network awards. As a producer, he has recorded work for short films, orchestra, solo artists and bands, small ensemble, opera, and his work has received over 3,000,000 streams online.

His work has been feature in numerous local and international publications including NME, MixMag, MusicTech, The Spinoff, RNZ, Stuff, as well as academic publications, and has been funded by Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Hertiage, NZ Music Commission, and more.

Jesse spends his spare time following the Wellington Phoenix in between hanging out with his ginger cat Johnny and waking up at unseemly hours of the morning to keep up with Formula 1.

Dr Jesse Austin-Stewart is a composer, sound artist, and researcher based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa New Zealand, and a lecturer at Massey University.

As a physically disabled and neurodivergent practitioner, his research and creative work promote accessibility within the music and creative industries.

An Arts Foundation Springboard Award recipient, Jesse has exhibited internationally, spanning performance art to sound installations. His production work across film, orchestra, and contemporary music has garnered over 3,000,000 streams. Featured in NME and MixMag, his practice is supported by Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and others.

More about me...View less...

Professional

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Music - Victoria University (2018)
  • Bachelor of Music with Honours - Victoria University (2019)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2023)

Prizes and Awards

  • APRA Professional Development Award - APRA (2025)
  • Best Awards, Finalist for Spatial – Exhibition and Temporary Structures – NZPQ23 Ka emiemi - Best Awards (2024)
  • Nominee for Best Sound Innovation in Everyday Life - Music for PlayStation - Sound of the Year Awards (2023)
  • Nomination EP of the Year - Fruit Juice Parade. the more you question, the further you get from the answer EP. Music by Shannen Petersen and Tharushi Bowatte. Produced, mixed, and recorded by Jesse Austin-Stewart. - Student Radio Network (2023)
  • Best Professional Paper, Australasian Computer Music Conference - Approaches to Spatial Audio for Audiences of All Types of Hearing - Australasian Computer Music Conference (2023)
  • view more...
  • Springboard Award - The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi (2022)
  • Nomination EP of the Year - Sports Dreams. Weather Admitting EP. Music by Shannen Petersen and Fraser Williams. Produced, mixed, and recorded by Jesse Austin-Stewart. - Student Radio Network (2022)
  • Semi-Finalist. Walk With Me. Directed by Tyler Carney. Music by Jesse Austin-Stewart and Elliot Vaughan. - Stockholm City Film Festival (2021)
  • view less...

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Disability and Accessibility in Music, Sound Art, Contemporary Dance Music, Music Production

Thematics

Design – for Commerce, Community and Culture

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Music Composition (190406): Music Performance (190407): Performing Arts and Creative Writing (190400): Studies In Creative Arts And Writing (190000)

Research Outputs

Journal

Austin-Stewart, J. (2024). Hello! I’ve Been Here the Whole Time: When non-cochlear sound art meets disability aesthetics. Organised Sound. , 1-7 Retrieved from http://cambridge.org/core/journals/organised-sound/article/hello-ive-been-here-the-whole-time-when-noncochlear-sound-art-meets-disability-aesthetics/3182770C1EF24DAAC3AAF2F654FF72E6
[Journal article]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Johnson, B. (2022). The Multichannel Monophonic Simulation Tool. Chroma. 38(1), Retrieved from https://journal.computermusic.org.au/chroma/article/view/11
[Journal article]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Wright, J. (2021). The role of communication technologies between choreographer and composer during Aotearoa/New Zealand’s COVID-19 response. Perfect Beat: the Pacific journal of research into contemporary music and popular culture. 21(2), 103-110 Retrieved from https://journal.equinoxpub.com/PB/article/view/19343
[Journal article]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J. (2017). Creating Interfaces for Live Octophonic Spatialisation of Sound.. Pūrātoke: Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Creative Arts and Industries. 1(1), 35-48
[Journal article]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.

Book

Austin-Stewart, J. (2023). Do You Hear My Point? Addressing Accessibility Issues Within Spatial Audio.. In A. Cachia (Ed.) Curating Access: Disability Art Activism and Creative Accommodation. (pp. 170 - 180). London, United Kingdom: Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Online: DOI icon
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Creative Work

Austin-Stewart, J., Foster, S., He, J., Lawson, S., & Lowe, J. (2026, February 25). Elastic Proximity. The Performance Arcade.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Sutton, M., & Austin-Stewart, J. (2025). Welcomer - Nothing of You Remaining.
[Composition]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Yamazaki, K., & Austin-Stewart, J. (2025). Thin Paper, Autonomous Synapses, Nomads, Tokyo(ing) - Poneke Contemporary Dance Festival 2025. (Dance) Thin Paper, Autonomous Synapses, Nomads, Tokyo(ing): Te Auaha
[Performance]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J., Foster, S., He, J., Lawson, S., & Lowe, J. (2025). Elastic Proximity. (Sculptural Sound Art Installation) Elastic Proximity: Adam Art Gallery, The Performance Arcade Launch Party
[Performance]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Foster, S.
Austin-Stewart, J. (2022) 5 Moving Speakers. [Exhibition] Christchurch Art Gallery
[Artwork]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.

view more...

Austin-Stewart, J., & Draper, C.(2022). Still Moving. LCB Depot, Leceister, UK
[Film or Video]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Carney, T., & Austin-Stewart, J.(2021). Walk With Me - The Verse. Auckland Film Festival, Aotearoa New Zealand
[Film or Video]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Carney, T., Austin-Stewart, J., & Vaughan, E.(2021). Walk With Me. Official Selection Dance (Lens) Film Festival, Australia
[Film or Video]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Carney, T., Austin-Stewart, J., & Vaughan, E.(2021). Walk With Me. Official Selection Thessaloniki Cinedance International Festival, Greece
[Film or Video]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.

view less...

Thesis

Austin-Stewart, JHJ. (2022). Reducing and removing barriers to spatial audio: applications of capital as a critical framework to promote inclusion in spatial audio: a thesis submitted to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Music at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand) Austin-Stewart, JHJ. (2022). Reducing and removing barriers to spatial audio: applications of capital as a critical framework to promote inclusion in spatial audio: a thesis submitted to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Music at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.Edited by: Wilson, O.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

Conference

Austin-Stewart, J. (2026, January). Introduction to Composing. Presented at Footnote New Zealand Dance - Choreolab 2026. Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre, Wellington, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., Foster, S., He, J., Lawson, S., & Lowe, J.Elastic Proximity. . Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Foster, S.
Austin-Stewart, J.Music for PlayStation - Sound Art Installation. . University of Auckland
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.Music for PlayStation - Sound Installation. . Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.Music for PlayStation - Sound Installation. . University of Greenwich, London
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.

view more...

Austin-Stewart, J. (2025, September). Disability and Accessibility in Composition Practice. Presented at Composer’s Association of New Zealand Workshop. School of Music, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Hoad, C. (2025, September). Issues of Accessibility within Music Production and Composition in Aotearoa. Presented at 2025 Composer’s Association of New Zealand (CANZ) Composers' Conference: Composing the Present: Practices, Frictions, Futures. School of Music, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J. (2025, October). Music for PlayStation – Artist Talk. Presented at World Stage Design – Sound Kitchen. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J., Foster, S., He, J., Lawson, S., & Lowe, J. (2025, October). Elastic Proximity – Artist Talk. Presented at World Stage Design – Sound Kitchen. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Wilson, O., & Austin-Stewart, J. (2025, December). Trends in Local Music Share and Future Implications in Aotearoa. Presented at 2025 International Association for the Study of Popular Music - Australia and New Zealand (IASPM ANZ): CTRL+PLAY: Participation and Power in Popular Music Futures. University of Otago, Dunedin.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J. (2025, November). Approaches to Spatial Music for Audiences of All Types of Hearing. Presented at SOUND/IMAGE 2025 Festival. University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J.Spatial Vibrations. . Brisbane, Australia
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.Music for PlayStation. . Faroe Islands
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.beyond nearsightedness - installation. . Melbourne, Australia
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J. (2024, October). beyond nearsightedness - Artist Talk. Presented at Australasian Computer Music Conference, Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J., & Hoad, C. (2024, December). ‘It all has to start from a place of manaaki’: Researching accessibility in Aotearoa’s small to medium music venues. Presented at International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM): Australia-Aotearoa/New Zealand (ANZ) 2024 Branch Conference: Musical Translations and Transformations. Wellington, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Hoad, C.
Austin-Stewart, J.Music for PlayStation. . University of New England, Sydney, Australia
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J.Spatial Vibrations. . University of New England, Sydney, Australia
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J. (2023, October). Spatial Audio for Listeners of All Types of Hearing. Presented at Australasian Computer Music Conference. University of New England, Sydney, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J., Eastburn, S., Arditto Delsoglio, C., & Molloy, R.5 Moving Speakers Panel Discussion. . Auckland & Christchurch: International Society for Contemporary Music
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.miss u, RD1 - woof woof lol. . The Loreto Theater, New York City, New York, USA
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Draper, C.Still Moving. . University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Draper, C.Still Moving. . Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Draper, C.Still Moving. . De Montfort University, Leceister, United Kingdom
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J. (2022, August). Gamification and Spatial Audio. Presented at Australasian Computer Music Conference (ACMC) 2022: Proximity. Wellington, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J. (2022, September). Gamification and Spatial Music. Presented at Convergence. Leceister, United Kingdom.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J. (2022, June). Spatial Vibrations - Demo Track Presentation. Presented at New Interfaces for Musical Expression. Online/Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.lighthouse auralization. . Online
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Johnson, B. (2021). Spatial System Design As A Spatio-Compositional Strategy. https://icmc2021.org/proceedings2021/. : International Computer Music Conference
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Johnson, B.
Austin-Stewart, J., & Johnson, B. (2021, August). The Multichannel Monophonic Simulation Tool. Presented at Australasian Computer Music Conference. Online.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Johnson, B.
Austin-Stewart, J., & Johnson, B.(2021, July). Spatial System Design As A Spatio-Compositional Strategy. https://icmc2021.org/proceedings2021/.
[Conference]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Johnson, B.
Austin-Stewart, J.Four Swinging Speakers. . Massey University, Wellington, new Zealand
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J.miss u, RD1 - woof woof lol. . Online
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Johnson, B. (2020, July). Multiple Monophony and the Multichannel Monophonic Compositional Framework. Presented at Australasian Computer Music Conference. Online.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Johnson, B.
Austin-Stewart, J.beyond nearsightedness. . Monash university, Melbourne, Australia
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., & Zareei, MH. (2019). The Extended Stereo Speaker Configuration as an Individual Spatial Experience. https://www.fulcrum.org/concern/monographs/jq085n56r. : International Computer Music Conference
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Austin-Stewart, J.8x5 Speaker Array. . Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, Perth, Australia
[Conference Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon

view less...

Other

Austin-Stewart, J. (2025). Spotify Wrapped ghosted NZ music again. Local artists and audiences deserve more.. : The Conversation Media Group Ltd
[Internet publication]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Online: DOI icon
Carter, D., Hoad, C., Austin-Stewart, J., & Wilson, O. (2025). NZ’s small music venues are struggling – but there are ways to help them thrive. : The Conversation Media Group Ltd
[Internet publication]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Online: DOI icon
Carter, D., Austin-Stewart, J., & Wilson, O. (2025). Music is at the forefront of AI disruption, but NZ artists still have few protections. : The Conversation Media Group Ltd
[Internet publication]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Carter, D.
Read Online: DOI icon
Austin-Stewart, J., Hoad, C., Carter, D., & Wilson, O. (2025). NZ’s Broadcasting Act is as old as Video Ezy. We need media reform for the streaming age. : The Conversation Media Group Ltd
[Internet publication]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Carter, D., Hoad, C.
Read Online: DOI icon
Wilson, O., Hoad, C., Carter, D., & Austin-Stewart, J. (2025). Discovering new NZ music in the streaming age is getting harder – what’s the future for local artists?. : The Conversation Media Group Ltd
[Internet publication]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J., Carter, D., Hoad, C.
Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon
Read Online: DOI icon

view more...

Austin-Stewart, J. (2024, September). Sony Interactive Entertainment Diversity Week - Accessibility, Disability, and Music for PlayStation. In Sony Interactive Entertainment - ANZ.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Morgan, S., & Austin-Stewart, J. (2023). Able Audio.
[Other]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.Contributed to by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Austin-Stewart, J., Morgan, S., Armstrong, D., & Lobb, B. (2023, January). SCC x Everybody Cool Lives Here: Accessibility and Disability in Aotearoa. In Public. Presented at Circa Theatre. : Social Change Collective and Everybody Cool Lives Here.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Austin-Stewart, J.Contributed to by: Austin-Stewart, J.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
view less...

Media and Links

Media

  • 30 Aug 2024 - Online
    The D* List - Feeling the vibes: The surprising...
    Feeling the vibes: The surprising tool making music more accessible
  • 28 Nov 2022 - Online
    ‘Music for PlayStation’ uses controller vibrati...
    A sound artist has created ‘Music for PlayStation‘, an album of “musical vibration pieces” that is designed to be played through the vibrations of a PlayStation DualSense controller.
  • 27 Jan 2023 - Radio
    Radioactive.fm - Waterfront Monophony
    Interview on Radioactive.fm about upcoming event Waterfront Monophony
  • 25 Nov 2022 - Radio
    RDU - Music for PlayStation
    Interview on RDU about Music for PlayStation project.
  • 25 Nov 2022 - Radio
    Radio One - Music for PlayStation
    Music for PlayStation Radio One Interview
  • view more...
  • 25 Nov 2022 - Online
    Radioactive.fm - Music for PlayStation
    Music for PlayStation Radioactive.fm interview
  • 25 Nov 2022 - Online
    The Spinoff - The sound artist democratising mu...
    The sound artist democratising music with a PlayStation 5 controller - Jesse Austin-Stewart is using the unlikeliest of instruments to make music more accessible to the hard of hearing and Deaf commun
  • 23 Nov 2022 - Online
    Arts Access Aotearoa - Music for PlayStation vi...
    Music for PlayStation vibrates for music fans - Wellington disabled sound artist Jesse Austin-Stewart has developed Music for PlayStation, a collection of five musical vibration pieces designed to be
  • 23 Apr 2023 - Online
    Stuff - Sam Morgan on how disability and music...
    Sam Morgan on how disability and music technology intersect
  • 21 Nov 2021 - Radio, Online
    RNZ -Breaking down barriers of access to sound art
    An intriguing event is taking place on the Wellington waterfront in early December and late January, taking sound art out of the university and to the people. It's called Waterfront Monophony.
  • 20 Nov 2022 - Online, Radio
    RNZ - Standing Room Only
    Radio New Zealand - Sound artist and composer Jesse Austin-Stewart has created an album of music vibration compositions, designed to be felt rather than heard.
  • 16 Mar 2023 - Online
    Arts Access Aotearoa - Spreading kōrero of disa...
    Spreading kōrero of disability and music technology
  • 15 Oct 2022 - Newspaper, Online
    Stuff - Technological innovation being used to....
    Technological innovation being used to improve access in the arts world - Artists are coming up with new ways for people to engage with the arts, but a disability advocate warns that those without acc
  • 13 Aug 2024 - Online
    Sony Interactive Entertainment - Bridging Acces...
    Bridging Accessibility and Music for All Gamers with the DualSense® Wireless Controller
  • 10 Dec 2025 - Online
    The Big Idea - Spotify Wrapped ghosts NZ music...
    Spotify Wrapped ghosts NZ music again
  • 07 Dec 2022 - Radio
    Radio Control - Music for PlayStation
    Music for PlayStation Radio Control Interview
  • 06 Dec 2024 - Online
    The Spinoff - A reminder about your Spotify Wra...
    A reminder about your Spotify Wrapped
  • 05 Dec 2025 - Radio
    RNZ - The Panel with Ed McKnight and Verity Joh...
    The Panel with Ed McKnight and Verity Johnson, Part 2 - In part two, a music lecturer says streaming platform Spotify is ghosting local music, as listener stats plummet. Jesse Austin-Stewart joins the
  • 05 Dec 2024 - Radio
    RNZ - Spotify Wraps your 2024 with Dr. Jesse Au...
    Spotify Wraps your 2024 with Dr. Jesse Austin-Stewart
  • 05 Dec 2024 - Online
    RNZ - Spotify Wrapped has landed: What New Zeal...
    Spotify Wrapped has landed: What New Zealand listened to most in 2024
  • 04 Dec 2025 - Online
    RNZ - Spotify Wrapped ghosted NZ music again. L...
    Spotify Wrapped ghosted NZ music again. Local artists and audiences deserve more
  • 04 Dec 2025 - Online
    Yahoo - Spotify Wrapped ghosted NZ music again...
    Spotify Wrapped ghosted NZ music again. Local artists and audiences deserve more
  • 03 Jun 2025 - Radio
    RNZ - Why it's getting harder to uncover new lo...
    Why it's getting harder to uncover new local musical artists
  • 01 Dec 2022 - Online
    MusicTech - Music For PlayStation musical vibra...
    Music For PlayStation musical vibration EP lets hard of hearing feel music “on equal terms” - A sound artist has created a series of tracks designed to be played through a PlayStation DualSense contr
  • 01 Apr 2025 - Online
    RNZ - NZ's Broadcasting Act is as old as Video...
    NZ's Broadcasting Act is as old as Video Ezy.
  • view less...