As an improvising violinist and composer, Alies's work covers a diverse range of musical styles for theatre, dance, film, television and performed commissioned works, ranging from rock/electronic bands and jazz/chamber groups to big bands, orchestra and choirs.

Alies obtained a Bachelor of Performance: Improvisation (Violin), and a Post Graduate Diploma in Composition/Performance at The Victorian College of the Arts. This included studies in classical, jazz and Indian classical traditions.