Sebastian’s Story

---

16-year-old Sebastian first joined Connect in Sheffield in 2020 and started to play the double bass.

“I adore playing the double bass. The best way I can describe it is, it’s me. I used to play the violin and I liked it but it just wasn’t me. I didn’t have the same feeling I have now. Playing music makes me feel a wide range of emotions. Sometimes it’s stressful and difficult, but most of the time it’s enjoyable. When I play the double bass, or any music, I feel like I’m in my own world and can express my emotions however I want.“
– Sebastian

Having first started music through whole class violin lessons in his primary school, he was picked out as one of the students who would really benefit from one-to-one lessons, but wouldn’t necessarily be able to do them without help from Connect.

Thanks to the Connect programme, Sebastian was able to access one-to-one double bass lessons and regular musical opportunities like Get Togethers with Sheffield Music Hub. Sebastian’s confidence and passion for his instrument grew.

His teacher Catherine says:

“He’s a great double bassist and always goes for everything – he goes to all Get Togethers, ensembles and lessons. He’s really fun to teach!

“I think it’s invaluable that we give students opportunities like Connect. It really helps to diversify the orchestras and we get to hear the music of students that we wouldn’t do otherwise. There are loads of children in Sheffield, all over, who wouldn’t get the chance to play an instrument, be in concerts, or play in ensembles if it weren’t for programmes like Connect.”

Sebastian says:

“Young Sounds and Connect has given me so many opportunities. The main thing I love is the Get Togethers. They allow me to connect with other young musicians, find out about other genres and give me new information about music.

“My most memorable Get Together was about folk music. I absolutely loved it because I had heard of the genre of folk but hadn’t heard any songs. I found out that there’s not many recordings of traditional folk music so experiencing it live was amazing. It was a really nice experience to be able to listen to professionals singing and playing their instruments, and allowing us to play with them. It allowed me to fully understand the genre.“

---

Sebastian and other young musicians from Sheffield at a Get Together with The Stringcredibles in 2022.

---

In November 2025, Sebastian won the Creative Arts Individual Award at the Sheffield Youth Awards for his commitment and dedication to Sheffield Music Service.

Sebastian has now been awarded a fully funded scholarship to Sheffield Music Academy (a Centre for Advanced Training), so he’s graduated from Connect. His sisters, 9-year-old flautist Mercedes and 10-year-old cellist Gabriella, are still on the programme so he’s still very much part of the Connect family.

As for his future plans, Sebastian wants to continue on his musical journey at university, and perhaps go on to help other musicians, like his teacher Catherine.

“I want to study music, maybe jazz, at university. After university, I’m not sure just yet! I’m thinking about teaching and want to stay involved with music.”

We wish Sebastian the best of luck in the future and can’t wait to see where his love for music takes him!