FULL LIST: Sunshine Coast’s young promising musicians of 2025
From musical theatre enthusiasts to a pair of brothers starring in their own band, these are the young musicians making waves in their fields of expertise on the Sunshine Coast
From passionate percussionists to talented trombonists, these hard working little musicians have been breaking a sweat perfecting their craft, with professional careers in mind.
Meet the young stars from Sunshine Coast schools and private studios who are shining among their peers.
Spoiler alert: Awesome performance videos by these stellar musicians are coming soon. Watch this space!
See the full list:
Music at Noosa
Diesel Ebrahim, 15
Diesel is a percussionist in St Theresa’s Catholic College music extension program and also attends Drum Hero Drum School.
He is trained in playing the drums, marimba, xylophone and other percussion instruments.
“What I love about playing music is that I have creative freedom to shape sounds, experiment with rhythms, and create something that makes my ears, and my soul, feel genuinely happy,” Diesel said.
He hopes to join a rock band like Linkin Park or Skillet and create original music in the future.
Golden Beach State School
Madeline McAlpine, 11
Madeline plays the flute and sings for her school’s choir and performance teams.
She hopes to improve her skill in playing the flute and she is excited to learn new instruments and try new things in a music extension program when she joins high school next year.
“As one of the Performing Arts captains at my school, I love getting everyone together with music,” Madeline said.
“Whether we’re practising for choir or band, or just having fun in the music room, I love how music makes people smile and have a good time.”
Mya Boniface, 11
Mya also plays the flute and sings for the school’s choir and performance team.
She wishes to keep playing as she moves onto high school and continue learning new songs.
Mya said she did not mind what sort of music she played, but her favourite song is Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day.
“I love being able to play music with my friends and playing songs that I know off the radio,” she said.
Pomona State School
Eloise Barnden, 12,
Eloise trains with Pomona State School and has taken private tuition with Gray Liddell for the past four years.
She has been playing guitar and drums in the school band she recently won her school’s talent show with her guitar and singing performance.
Eloise particularly enjoys playing guitar covers with a folk or country tone.
She said what she loves most about music is that she can be herself.
“You’re in your own world when playing music. It comes so easy to me and makes other people happy listening to me,” she said.
Eloise said she hoped to produce music in the future but, with fears of AI in the music industry, has turned her interest to becoming a music teacher instead.
Meridan State College
Indy Clark, Year 7
Meridan State College’s music teacher Pia Manttan said Indy is an “upcoming star”.
Indy is a vocalist and also plays piano and drums.
“She loves being on stage and shone as lead singer of Midnight Motion,” Ms Manttan said.
“Indy plans to keep developing her vocals while re-entering the school’s annual music competition Live On Stage.”
Sofie Tate, Year 8
Ms Manttan said Sofie is a talented vocalist learning piano and an aspiring actor and singer.
“She loves meeting others who share her passion through Meridan’s vibrant Music Academy and regularly performs on stage at school events,” she said.
Imogen Leitch, Year 8
Imogen is a dedicated violinist also learning piano and cello.
Ms Manttan said she also loved listening to and analysing music.
“She plans to continue Instrumental Music through to Year 12,” she said.
Levi McDougall, Year 12
Ms Manttan said Levi, a passionate drummer and percussionist, had been part of the school’s Instrumental Music program since his primary school years.
“He also performs in multiple school rock bands,” she said.
“He loves playing music that amazes audiences and plans to study at university to become a high school music teacher.
Good Samaritan Catholic College
Ed, Year 9
Ed has been playing the trumpet for six years and is a part of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra.
Ed said what he loved most were the people he had met and the experiences he has had thanks to music.
“I also love how you can express yourself and be creative with music and how it enables you to be who you want to be,” he said.
In the future, he hopes to join Griffith University’s Young Conservatorium and meet new people “through the world of music”.
Zoe, Year 3
Zoe has been training in playing the violin for the past one-and-a-half years.
She hopes to continue playing up to Year 12 and one day become a professional violinist.
“I feel bubbly when I finish and they’re all clapping,” she said.
“When I play in string ensemble, I feel nice and calm with all my friends.”
Lore, Year 7
Lore has been playing the flute for the past six years and hopes to complete the Year 8 in Flute AMEB exams.
She also wishes to play with Symphonia one day.
“I really enjoy playing in bands, whether it be our school band or Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra,” Lore said.
Levi, Year 5
Levi has been playing the drums for one year and dreams to play in a band professionally to perform across the world.
“I just like the beats and sounds because when I’m playing it sounds really cool,” he said.
William, Year 5
William has focused on playing the handpan for the past two years.
He dreams of one day travelling the world as a percussionist, exploring “beautiful” instruments and learning how people can bond with them.
“Music is like personality: all of them are different,” he said.
“People with different personalities can play loud bongos to soft xylophones.
“No matter the person, there will always be an instrument for them.”
Caloundra Music Academy
Jimi Forster, 15
Jimi studies a Certificate III in Music at the Queensland College of Music, piano and theory at the Caloundra Music Academy and guitar at Guitar Den Caloundra.
He wishes to continue studying music at a university in the future and a join a band.
“I enjoy the creativity of playing music and being a part of a community and jamming with others,” Jimi said.
Chloe Biava-Bishop, 17
Chloe is primarily a vocalist but also plays the piano, trumpet and French horn.
Her future plans include auditioning for productions, recording singles, travelling with gigs, and striving for improvement.
“I love playing music because it is so rewarding to see the hard work transcend into an absolutely beautiful sound that can be appreciated and enjoyed in so many different ways – as a performer, being able to see the impact your art can have on another person is like no other experience,” Chloe said.
“Music removes stress, puts a big smile on my face, and perfectly portrays the world around me. Simply, music just makes me happy.”
Liam Ellis, 17
Liam plays the piano, cello and has started the violin most recently.
Liam said he loves to play classical and romantic era music, Chopin and Beethoven as his favourite composers.
“I love how it’s (music) something that everyone can enjoy and it’s something that I enjoy doing with my friends,” he said.
Liam plans to complete a degree and education and creative arts in order to “spread his love” for music through teaching.
Baringa State Primary School
Harper, 12
Harper recently played the Tin Man in the school’s Wizard of Oz musical.
Harper said he most loved singing, acting and going in the musical.
He dreams of becoming a musical actor in both theatre and films, and a role model for future generations of actors in theatre productions.
Aliria, 9
Aliria is a vocalist and is learning to play the guitar at her school.
In the future, she hopes to become a professional performer or star in a musical production.
“Music makes me feel happy and I like how it makes people smile and dance,” Aliria said.
Madelyn, 11
Madelyn is a vocalist and flute player who trains at SJ Dance and Baringa State Primary School.
Madelyn said singing brings her happiness and she hopes to write her own music when she grows up.
“I like that I get to collaborate with other people and I love writing my own songs,” she said.
“I want to be doing music my whole life and performing on stage any chance I get.”
Noosa District State High School
Keihala Jennings
Keihala is trained in playing the trumpet.
She plans to continue improving her skills with hopes to one day play in a band.
“I love the way music can make you feel different things and brings me joy to play,” she said.
Maximillian Martin, 18
Maximillian predominantly plays clarinet and he loves working on his musicality and improving “such an interesting skill”
“I enjoy playing the clarinet as part of my life as a performer as I move towards a career in musical theatre,” he said.
Arch Wilson, 13
Arch plays the bass guitar at his school.
Arch said he loved to play music to calm himself down and to hear its sound.
“I would like to play gigs – my favourite music is Aussie Rock, including AC/DC and John Farnham,” he said.
Sasha Cohn, 16
Sasha plays the trombone and hopes to keep involved in music by both playing and teaching.
“I like playing music because it’s social, fun and challenging. Playing in a band is rewarding,” she said.
Abigail Bramson, 15
Abigail plays clarinet and has most recently taken up the bass clarinet.
“I love the feeling of turning notes on the page into something amazing and how free it make me feel.
“I love playing music.”
In the future, she plans to keep playing music, whether it be in a band or a full orchestra, and keep progressing her musical ability.
Beerwah State High School
Danielle Starks, 15
Danielle is trained in playing the trombone, trumpet, euphonium and piano and she dreams to take part in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Brisbane Excelsior Band.
Danielle said her mother, a pianist, inspired her to start playing music, and she first took up the trombone when her music teacher handed the instrument to her.
“Trying to figure out rhythms is the most challenging part of playing music. That, and sight-reading,” she said.
Danielle has been honing her skills to be at “top level” when she applies for the Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program next year.
“I also love performing at Fanfare on the Sunshine Coast with our school Stage Band and Concert Band,” she said.
“Next year I hope to be successful in taking on the leadership position as our school Music Captain.”
Diamond Vocal Studio
Rafael Estrade, 15
Rafael is a lead vocalist in a band called Unmuted, which was formed in 2023; the band focuses on surf alternative rock and recently finished their first original song.
He also performs in a duo called Raf and Nate where slower ballads with a relaxed, emotional style are a main focus.
“I love music because of how it makes me feel. It allows me to connect with people and share emotion through my storytelling,” he said.
“I love expressing my creativity through my voice and experimenting with it.”
Rafael plans to work hard and make a career out of his music
“I want to keep developing my songwriting and creating original music and grow with my band,” he said.
Juliet Doughty, 15
Juliet plays the guitar and writes her own songs, with hopes of one day having her own music produced.
“I love that music makes me feel like I have a purpose and that I am good at something,” she said.
“My future plans are to continue writing songs and making better music, and getting more experience in performing. “
Zara Dick, 15
Zara is a contemporary vocalist and also plays the piano and guitar.
Zara said singing and playing brings her joy and she loves performing in concerts, open mics and Eisteddfods.
“I find it allows me to express myself freely and I love the challenge of improving and growing,” she said.
“I have recently begun trying to compose my own songs and look forward to pursuing that side of my music further.”
She hopes to develop her guitar and piano skills and learn how to compose.
“My goal would be to play and sing, while performing my original songs,” Zara said.
Glenview State School
Caleb Ginns, 11
Caleb likes to perform contemporary rock songs on both acoustic and electric guitar.
“It’s creative, I get to learn new things all the time. It’s a fun and interesting hobby,” he said.
Caleb said he hopes to one day perform in a band and compose original songs.
“I used to be nervous to perform but the more I do it the better I feel.”
Sunny G, 8
Sunny G is a vocalist and plays piano and violin, with plans to play the flute next year.
She said she loved how music brings people together and allowed her to express herself in a new way.
“I love the challenge of a tricky piece and the triumph when I get it right,” she said.
“I love performing in front of an audience.”
She hopes to one day become a singer and an actor in musical theatre.
“No matter what I become as an adult I hope I keep enjoying music every day,” she said.
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Ocean Jepson-Dann, 15
Ocean sings and plays guitar in his bang alongside his brother Sunny, featured below.
Ocean said he loved to play music in a group and “get lost in the moment” to relieve his stress and worry
“I often get nervous when having to perform or speak to an audience, however, in our band I don’t feel this way,” he said.
“Music is like a person, certain people enjoy them, some don’t. Music evokes so much emotion and influence.”
His future plans are to keep his band together throughout high school and write at least one song.
Sunny Jepson-Dann, 12
Alongside the drums in his band with his brother Ocean, Sunny also plays percussion in the school’s College Band.
“Playing the drums is relaxing and calms me down,” he said.
Sunny hopes to one day play in a band at the Sydney Opera House.
Lachlan Miller, 17
Lachlan is predominantly a vocalist but occasionally accompanies himself with a piano or guitar.
He has been training his voice at the college for the past eight years and has participated in every choral ensembles.
Currently, he is involved in three vocal ensembles and is also the Choir Captain, allowing him to support his young peers in primary choirs.
“I love singing because it’s a way to express who I am and whether it be through contemporary songs, or through musical theatre, I get to share stories and I love that.
“My future plans for music involve me studying musical theatre at university and then hopefully pursuing a career on stage.
Hanina Ward, 16
Hanina has been playing the violin since she was six years old, and has also been training her voice and piano.
She is part of five ensembles at school and is planning to complete her AMEB AMusA Diploma.
Hanina hopes to continue developing her skills as a soloist and ensemble musician.
“I love how music lets me express myself and connect with others,” she said.
“Performing brings me so much joy, and I love the feeling of sharing something meaningful with the audience.
“I want to take every opportunity to grow through the Flinders Music Scholarship Program and continue performing wherever music takes me.”
Jemma Ward, 16
Jemma both sings and plays piano, and is a part of three secondary vocal ensembles at the school.
Jemma said she changed schools last year for the college’s singing and music opportunities.
I sing and play piano. I’m part of 3 of the Secondary Vocal Ensembles and take singing lessons through the
“I love being able to become a vessel for the messages of the art that I embody through song,” she said.
“I think it’s such a gift to be able to share others’ creations through my own lens and way of expressing.
Jemma plans to pursue a tertiary education in music or musical theatre and to continue creating her own music.
“Music has become such a huge part of my life that I can’t imagine a future where I’m not involved in it in some way,” she said.
Maroochydore State High School
Silas Yardy
Silas plays the trombone, tenor saxophone, piano and drums.
He is not only a part of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra but also performs in three school bands with a range of styles from concert band to jazz music
Silas said he loves music for its creative, fun and joy it brings into his and others’ lives.
“I will never stop playing music and hope to become fluent with a range of new instruments,” he said.
“I would like to be in a band playing a range of instruments or would like to be a music teacher inspiring other young people to take the same path I took.”
Ruby Charles, 16
Ruby plays guitar, drums and other percussion instruments.
“I love being able to learn and discover new music and play music with friends,” she said.
“My future plans in music are to keep having fun and getting better at every instrument and be a part of bands even after I leave school.”
Ivy Bankier, 14
Ivy is a vocalist, plays guitar and piano and has most recently discovered a love for writing songs.
Ivy said she has always loved music and writing, and has written 11 full songs since last year.
“Honestly, songwriting is my favourite thing to do in the world, it lets me express my ideas and emotions even when I don’t quite understand them myself, turning them into a beautiful simple piece of music that other people can relate to,” she said.
“I really hope that as I grow older, I continue to get better at what I do, sharing my music with the world, and hopefully I can make a career out of singer songwriting.
“This is what I want to do with my life.”
Elleisha Vagg, 17
Elleisha has been playing piano for 13 years and violin for 10 years.
Elleisha said the first time she ever touched a keyboard she was “completely captivated” and would not let it out of her sight.
“Since then, music has always been a place where I can escape and feel calm,” she said.
“When I play the piano or violin, everything else fades away and I can just focus on the sound and rhythm.
“It’s amazing to think that something I play can move or inspire someone else.”
Elleisha hopes to join a new senior orchestra when she studies nursing next year, and also plans to teach younger students to share the joy and beauty of music.
Trained by Lauren Hutton
Stella Thomson, 13
Stella is a vocalist and plays guitar and piano who trains with Lauren Hutton.
Her future goal is to become a professional singer and performer, she said.
“Some reasons why I love music is because it’s a beautiful way of self expression and it can convey feelings in such a beautiful, powerful way,” Stella said.
Mountain Creek State School
Ken Haoran Zhang, 11
Ken plays piano and violin and is a part of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra.
Ken said music was a part of his everyday life, and ABC Classic FM’s “life is better with music” phrase always inspires him.
“When I play, I feel I can freely express my feelings and emotions. The notes and the melody make me relax, happy and motivated,” he said.
Ken said music had also fostered many friendships.
“I have made friends with many young musicians across school and SCYO, and these friendships keep inspiring me to learn and enjoy music,”
His biggest dream is to become a professional musician and hopes to write his own music, perform more concerts and teach new musicians in the future.
“Music is something I want to keep in my life forever, whether I’m performing, composing, or sharing it with others,” he said.
Jack Edwards, 17
Jack has been playing the violin for almost nine years and also trains privately under Melissa Buddle.
Jack said music was an outlet for him and he enjoyed the challenge of learning new pieces.
“I have loved the people I have met and the friends I have made through music,” he said.
“My favourite experiences have been playing at the Sydney Opera House in 2024 and CGEN in 2025.”
Currently involved in the string orchestra and chamber strings at his school as well as Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra’s youth symphony and chamber strings, Jack is looking to join a community or university orchestra upon completing school.
Just Sing Out
Hannah May
Hannah plays electric guitar and particularly enjoys performing metal music.
“I love playing guitar because it gives me freedom to express myself how I want to, and it’s a great way to make friends and meet similar people,” she said.
“My future plans with music would to hopefully have a band kick off, or to be a sound technician at people’s gigs.”
Olive Star Stewart, 13
Olive plays the drums and is positive that it will remain a huge part of her life.
“I can’t actually pinpoint exactly what I love about playing drums but absolutely nothing compares to the feeling of hitting my drumsticks and feeling the vibration of the drums in my chest,” he said.
“It makes my heart sing.”
At this moment, she plans to keep working hard, keep improving and see where her passion takes her.
Grace Quilty, 16
Grace is a vocalist at not only Just Sing Out but also at BYTE Youth Theatre and Chancellor State College.
“I love that music is something I am passionate about and still challenges me in new ways,” she said.
“I’d love to pursue musical theatre and singing in our Just Sing Out band.”
Jesse Anthony, 16
Jesse studies singing and focuses on musical theatre style.
Jesse aims to study musical theatre at a tertiary level in the future and balance a life of both teaching and performing.
“I love being able to get lost in the stories and emotions that music creates,” he said.
Matilda Luscombe, 12
Matilda is a vocalist and is also trained in acoustic and bass guitar.
She said she loved music as it made her feel heard, happy, and helped her express herself.
Matilda hopes to be a success in a band in the future.
Caloundra State School
Eli Boyle, 12
Eli plays the tenor saxophone and enjoys performing music of any kind, from classical like William Tell to sea shanties and rock songs like Seven Nation Army.
He also likes to challenge himself by trying out piano and ukulele as well. Later this year, he will start to train in playing the trumpet.
“Music makes me happy and the more I practise, the more interesting and difficult music I can play. I really like playing loud and fast,” he said.
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