I'm Kalina Kostova, a curious and collaborative creative professional based in Bristol, United Kingdom. With seven years across the creative industries and higher education, I contribute to strategy as a board member and bring hands-on energy to teaching, sessions, and workshops. I enjoy building inclusive learning environments, composing for briefs, and supporting students to explore recording techniques, songwriting, and creative collaboration in both formal education settings and freelance projects.

Kalina Kostova

I'm Kalina Kostova, a curious and collaborative creative professional based in Bristol, United Kingdom. With seven years across the creative industries and higher education, I contribute to strategy as a board member and bring hands-on energy to teaching, sessions, and workshops. I enjoy building inclusive learning environments, composing for briefs, and supporting students to explore recording techniques, songwriting, and creative collaboration in both formal education settings and freelance projects.

Available to hire

I’m Kalina Kostova, a curious and collaborative creative professional based in Bristol, United Kingdom. With seven years across the creative industries and higher education, I contribute to strategy as a board member and bring hands-on energy to teaching, sessions, and workshops.

I enjoy building inclusive learning environments, composing for briefs, and supporting students to explore recording techniques, songwriting, and creative collaboration in both formal education settings and freelance projects.

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Language

English
Fluent
Bulgarian
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Session Musician (Vocals) at Wilder Vocals
November 1, 2025 - Present
Recording and performing project-based session vocals.
Session Musician (Piano) at BIMM University
November 1, 2024 - November 30, 2025
Performing piano for production lessons, enhancing practical learning. Collaborating with students to demonstrate recording techniques. Supporting creative exploration in a hands-on educational setting.
In-House Composer at Cereal Killers Audio
January 1, 2025 - Present
Co-Founder & Director at Cereal Killers Audio
January 6, 2025 - Present
Deputy Lecturer at BIMM University
October 1, 2024 - February 28, 2026
Delivered songwriting and music production lectures. Adapted materials to meet objectives and student needs. Provided feedback to foster growth in a positive, inclusive environment.
Workshop Facilitator at Freelance
August 1, 2024 - Present
Designing and delivering engaging music workshops focusing on songwriting, composition, and creative collaboration. Fostering inclusive and supportive environments for participants of all skill levels, tailoring sessions to inspire creativity and build confidence. Collaborating with event organisers to ensure workshops are aligning with the overall vision and goals.
Music Tutor (Private) at Freelance
June 1, 2024 - Present
Teaching lyric writing, music production and compositional techniques. Developing customised lesson plans to meet individual student needs. Offering constructive feedback and fostering a passion for music. Preparing students for performances, recordings, or auditions.
Board Member at GSW Music Hub
June 1, 2025 - Present
Supporting the strategic direction, decision-making processes, and progress reviews.
Co-Founder & In-House Composer at Cereal Killers Audio
January 1, 2024 - Present
Leading studio operations, recording, editing, and composing original music to meet specific briefs. Driving strategic planning, product development, and marketing initiatives for a sound design boutique. Building partnerships and mentoring a high-performing team of sound designers. Developing a selling platform for film and game audio post-production.
Session Musician (Vocals) at Wilder Vocals
November 1, 2022 - Present
Recording and performing project-based session vocals.
Building & Maintenance Officer at BIMM University
February 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025
Responsible for optimising and operating BIMM's campus facilities and equipment to ensure an excellent student experience. Provided advanced studio troubleshooting and technical support for students and staff. Conducted routine and ad-hoc checks of equipment. Set up equipment for lessons, exams, auditions, and events. Promoted health and safety policies and supported compliance, including serving as a fire warden. Collaborated with peer teams on creative or learning initiatives.
Student Ambassador at BIMM University
October 1, 2022 - February 1, 2024
Assisted with the running of admission events, workshops, and auditions. Guided prospective students by providing transparent, supportive, and encouraging information to facilitate their decision-making process. Conducted campus tours and offered guidance on the student experience to prospective students and their supporters. Coordinated event bookings and assisted in recruitment processes. Created engaging content for social media platforms.

Education

BA (Hons) Songwriting at University of Sussex
September 1, 2019 - September 1, 2022
MA Popular Music Practice (Composition) at BIMM University
September 1, 2022 - September 1, 2023
MA Popular Music Practice at BIMM University
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
BA (Hons) Songwriting at University of Sussex
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2022

Qualifications

Mental Health First Aider
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Enhanced DBS Certificate
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Health & Safety
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Equality & Diversity
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Safeguarding Young People
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Advanced Acting Certificate
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Music Performance (Guitar)
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency)
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Digital Competence Framework for Citizens - Individual Level Certificate
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025
Full Driving License
January 11, 2030 - December 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education