Perth singer-songwriter Clare Perrott
Growing up surrounded by creativity, Clare spent her childhood learning as many instruments as she could, eventually falling in love with the storytelling traditions of folk music. Inspired by artists like Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell and Adrienne Lenker, she discovered that the songs she connected with most weren't just beautifully written – they were honest.
Today, that same authenticity defines Clare's own music.
An emerging alt-folk artist on the Western Australian music scene, Clare has performed at local festivals and venues across Perth while building a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and captivating live performances. But finding the confidence to share those songs with an audience didn't happen overnight.
It was during her Advanced Diploma of Music (Music Artist) at WAAPA, part of Edith Cowan University, that she found both her creative voice and the confidence to use it.
A course that nurtured creativity
After finishing school, Clare knew she wanted to continue studying music but wasn't sure what direction to take.
Encouraged by her guitar teachers, who had experienced WAAPA themselves, she discovered the Music Artist course – an intensive, practical program focused on developing original artists through songwriting, collaboration and performance.
"I hadn't really explored songwriting as a possibility for me," Clare says. "But I loved the idea of developing my music in a supportive environment where you could perform with a band, receive feedback every week and grow as an artist."
The decision exceeded her expectations.
"I loved every minute of the Music Artist course and couldn't be more grateful for the opportunities I received from WAAPA," she says.
The course gave Clare the confidence to explore her songwriting while learning from experienced lecturers and collaborating with like-minded musicians.
Learning to embrace vulnerability
For Clare, the biggest challenge wasn't mastering an instrument or writing songs.
It was learning to be vulnerable.
"My greatest challenge was getting over the emotional hurdle of performing and writing truthfully," she says. "Sometimes it feels like every word you write is going to be analysed, but that's not the case."
Through regular performances and constructive feedback, Clare gradually built the confidence to trust both her songwriting and herself.
"We learnt how important authenticity is in music. With such a supportive environment, performing became easier and easier, and the vulnerability in the music actually became one of its greatest strengths."
The practical nature of the course also taught her valuable professional skills beyond songwriting.
Performing with a band helped her understand the importance of communication, collaboration and trust – qualities that continue to shape her work as a musician today.
More than a classroom
For Clare, one of the most rewarding parts of studying at WAAPA was becoming part of a creative community.
"The community at WAAPA is extremely kind. It was incredible to be working with creative peers and it was such an inspirational environment" she says.
"It was also a safe space to work on your songs and truly develop your potential with peers to lift you up when you're not too sure."
That sense of belonging gave Clare the confidence to continue pursuing music professionally while also expanding her interests through further study in journalism and broadcasting at ECU.
Today, alongside her studies, Clare works as a music tutor while continuing to write, record and perform her own original music throughout Perth.
Backing yourself
Reflecting on her journey, Clare believes the greatest lesson she learnt wasn't simply how to write better songs.
It was having the courage to tell her own story.
The Perth music scene continues to inspire her with its creativity and sense of community, and she's proud to be contributing her own voice to it.
For future students considering a creative career, Clare's experience is proof that talent grows best in an environment where you're supported to take risks, collaborate with others and discover what makes your voice unique.
At ECU and WAAPA, she didn't just learn how to perform.
She learnt how to believe in the artist she was becoming.