Sean Connelly has being playing bass guitar for only five years. 75998 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Vanessa Chircop
TO say Sean Connelly was over the moon when he was offered a place at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) is an understatement.
The highly competitive Fine Arts, Contemporary Music course, which runs through Melbourne University, has shaped some of Australia’s most gifted musicians.
The former Williamstown High School student was overjoyed to receive a place – and with only 31 spots on offer, he had every right to be.
Completing Year 12 last year, Sean was offered the place before exams had started but didn’t use this as an excuse to slack off, receiving an ENTER score of 86.5.
“My ENTER score was irrelevant,” he said.
“I really didn’t expect to get in – it was the biggest surprise of the year.”
Considering he only began playing the bass guitar five years ago and the piano eight years ago – it’s safe to say the 18-year-old has a great deal of talent.
Despite his high score Sean said he didn’t focus on his exams as much as he did preparing for his auditions for VCA and attributes getting into the prestigious course to passion and practice.
“It takes a lot of passion and hard work.”
“But this is all I want to do – I love it.”
Sean wasn’t the only Williamstown High School student to receive a place in the course.
Freya Alexander, who was co-dux last year, will also study Fine Arts at the university.
