Lexington High School senior Shriya Jha is a singer-songwriter whose high school experience has been shaped by music both inside and beyond the classroom. Jha has pursued music with a level of dedication that sets her apart from her peers, reflecting not only her talent but also her willingness to put herself out there in pursuit of her art.
Music has been a part of Jha’s life for as long as she can remember, and it is something her family has always encouraged her to pursue further.
“To [my parents], a music education was just as important as academics or sports,” Jha said.
Jha began classical piano lessons at age four and soon after enrolled at the New England Conservatory, where she also studied music theory and sang in choirs. This formal training laid the foundation for her as a vocalist.
“Understanding the [chords and music theory] of what I’m playing and what I’m singing […] helped train my ear,” Jha said.
Jha’s earliest performances were piano recitals; however, singing in public did not come easily at first.
“[My parents would] be like, ‘Okay, if you really want to sing so badly, sing in front of this person,’” Jha said. “[At first] I would hate it […] But then I just started putting myself out there more and more. I felt like it was important that I exposed myself in a way to just get rid of my nerves.”
Now, Jha performs frequently as part of the LHS audition-based honors ensemble, the Madrigal Singers, and she is a leader of the a cappella group Peanut Butter & Jelly. As a leader, Jha emphasized the importance of creating a safe space where all group members feel confident contributing.
Outside of school, Jha has gained 70.7K followers on TikTok by posting singing covers. Her early cover of Sia’s “Elastic Heart” went viral and was reposted by Sia herself.
“I looked at my phone, and it was like, ‘Oh, Sia just reposted your cover,’ and I was like, ‘What? That’s crazy,’” Jha said.
Social media has also opened professional doors for Jha. Through her online presence, Jha has connected with industry professionals, and it ultimately led her to audition for American Idol Season 22. The experience offered Jha a backstage look at the realities of the music industry.
“From that moment, I took away how important it is to advocate for yourself as an artist. Otherwise, people can shape you into who they want you to be,” Jha said.
In addition to performing, Jha is also a songwriter and producer. In 2022, she released her first single, “Strangers on Saturn.” Songwriting and producing are now central to her artistic identity.
