About
Sebastian Coyne is a passionate violist who started playing violin and piano at the age of six. From a young age, he was a part of Suzuki group classes and performed in local contemporary music performances with his siblings.
He transitioned to viola early in his primary school years, and shortly after studied viola with Louise Ray for most of his high school education. He then furthered his studies in music at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), where he studied with Christopher Cartlidge and Gabrielle Halloran.
Seb was a finalist in both the MRC Bach Competition and the Strike a Chord Chamber Music Competitions in 2021. In the Strike a Chord final, he won awards for both his performances, where he featured as a pianist and violist. After his completion of high school, he transitioned to the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). During Seb’s time at ANAM he participated in masterclasses with Lawrence Power, Timothy Ridout, Florian Peelman and Carla Maria Rodrigues. Some memorable performances during his time at ANAM include Virgil Thompson’s Sonata da Chiesa during the George Crumb festival, Schumann Piano Quartet with guest artist Anthony Marwood for a Mostly Mozart concert, and the Schubert string quintet with Jakub Jakowicz.
Across the years, Seb has participated in multiple Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) programs which have been a central part of his development.
Seb is currently undertaking his third year at the University of Melbourne, under the tutelage of Caroline Henbest.
Australian Youth Orchestra
