“In order for anything to change your life, you gotta treat it like it’s gonna change your life.” That powerful mantra encapsulates the story of Sean Edwards — a gifted percussionist from the South Side of Chicago, and a recent graduate of The Juilliard School in New York.

Edwards’ journey from tapping classroom desks to performing on prestigious classical stages is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering belief in the power of music. Today, he’s not just a musician — he’s a symbol of what happens when talent meets opportunity, discipline, and vision.

Early Rhythm: The Spark of a Musical Journey

Sean’s foray into music began early. “I started playing music in third grade,” he recalls. “I used to get in trouble for tapping on desks, so they let me join the school band early.” This initial entry into music laid the foundation for what would soon evolve into a calling.

He was later accepted into the Percussion Scholarship Program in Chicago, under the guidance of Patricia Dash and Douglas Waddell. “It was free, high-quality music education — that was crucial for me,” Sean says.

But it wasn’t until he experienced firsthand how music could transform his future that he took it seriously. “Once I saw the doors it could open — scholarships, travel, being in rooms with opportunity — I started treating it like something that could truly change my life,” he explains.

National Spotlight: The Game-Changer

At age 15, Edwards was selected to join NYO2 — an elite youth orchestra — marking a pivotal moment in his life. “They flew us to New York, Philly, Miami. That experience showed me that this is bigger than just playing for fun,” he shares. “This could be my way out, and my way forward.”

Juilliard and Unlearning to Grow

Attending The Juilliard School — one of the most competitive music conservatories in the world — was both a triumph and a transformation. “Juilliard is its own bubble,” he says. “It challenged me to unlearn habits and embrace vulnerability — especially around communication and emotional awareness.”

Coming from a community where emotional resilience often means masking vulnerability, Edwards describes Juilliard as a space that demanded internal growth, not just musical excellence. “Learning how to articulate and understand my emotions was a huge shift,” he reflects.

Voice Through Rhythm: Finding His Identity in Music

Although classical music often centers the voice of the composer, Sean believes his identity subtly shines through. “I don’t always get to overtly express where I’m from, but it’s in how I hear the music,” he explains.

Influenced by Chicago’s rich rhythmic traditions and Black musical heritage, Sean feels that his interpretations carry a soulful resonance. “Black people tend to be more rhythmically inclined — the soul we bring to it comes out in how we play,” he says.

Belonging in Classical Spaces

As a young Black man in classical music, Edwards acknowledges the challenges of representation. “Often, I’m the only one who looks like me — or has lived like me — in the room,” he says. “The biggest hurdle has been accepting that I belong in those spaces.”

He believes lived experience carries more weight than appearances. “We connect through shared experiences, not just skin color,” Sean notes. His philosophy emphasizes the richness of diverse backgrounds in the arts.

Injury and Renewal

His journey has not been without setbacks. A wrist injury from a basketball game temporarily sidelined him. “It was scary. I didn’t know if I’d play the same again,” he admits. But the pause gave him perspective. “It made me hungrier. It reminded me why I love music.”

The injury led him to rebuild not just physically, but emotionally and artistically. “Starting from zero helped me rediscover my passion,” he says.

The Road Ahead: San Francisco and New Compositions

With his Juilliard chapter closed, Sean is now headed to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for his master’s degree. “I want to keep learning and expanding what’s possible in this field,” he shares.

He’s also preparing to release a new commissioned piece by composer Christopher Armstrong — a fellow artist and close friend. “That’s dropping in the fall,” Sean teases. “It’s been an honor to collaborate and bring something fresh to the scene.”

Daily Inspirations and Chicago Roots

When asked what’s on his playlist, Sean keeps it real. “I’ve got John Williams’ ‘Escapades’ on repeat — it’s from Catch Me If You Can. Haven’t even seen the movie,” he laughs. “And I always rep G Herbo. Chicago all day.”

Conclusion: Rhythm as Resistance and Redemption

Sean Edwards’ story is one of beating the odds with rhythm, vision, and grit. From the South Side of Chicago to the iconic stages of New York and beyond, his journey is a testament to what happens when access meets aspiration — and when a young artist dares to believe that music can change his life.