Sheffield Music Hub Alumni – Where are they now?

Euan Morrison shares his musical journey through Sheffield Music Hub with us and talks about how learning the Cello has shaped the man he has become and led to the profession he is in today.

Ian Naylor, Head of Music Education Sheffield shared “At Sheffield Music Hub, we work with thousands of young musicians from every corner of our city each week. Whatever their background, circumstances or lived experience, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we aim high for every single one of them.

We know that music can have a profound and lasting impact on a young person's life. For many, it becomes a lifelong source of enjoyment, confidence, creativity and connection, whatever path they choose to follow. The skills developed through music, such as collaboration, resilience and discipline, stay with young people long for the rest of their lives.

Some choose to pursue music professionally, and we are always immensely proud when they achieve success at the very highest level. It is wonderful to hear Euan’s story, see that he found his niche in audio engineering, and be reminded of the transformative power music can have on young people’s lives. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Euan!"

Euan’s story

Early Musical Journey

I was seven or eight when I joined the Sheffield Music Hub, between September 2009 – July 2010. I remember the event that sparked my interest in the cello very clearly. I was in Year 2 at Greystones Primary when Suzanne Hobbs and one of her students performed in our school assembly. There was a lot of excitement during the assembly, but Suzanne had everyone’s attention when the bow met string. At the end of the day, letters were handed out to sign up for lessons, but for some reason there weren’t enough to go round. I remember running down the school ramp to tell my Mum all about it and how it was imperative I got my hands on one of those letters!

This singular event inspired a lifelong passion. I think I was drawn to the warm sound and its incredible capacity for expression. Lessons with Suzanne started the same year, made possible by my parents and the Music Hub, who provided me with a ¼ size cello to start learning with. I pursued ABRSM grades and continued learning for the next twelve years until I left home for University in Leeds.

Lessons & Ensembles

Moving through the grades, the wonderful and inspiring Celia Hurwitz-Keefe continued my teaching. Looking back now, I’m incredibly proud of that journey. The motivation to work hard came from supportive family, immersion in what quickly became my favourite element in any orchestra, and unwavering encouragement from Celia’s lessons. The process of going from the "puzzled-awe" of watching her demonstrations to understanding and implementing those same techniques through practice was one of the most rewarding experiences of my youth.

I joined the Hub’s ensembles early on, starting with the Loxley Orchestra at the old Bannerdale Centre, conducted and led by Rosie McConaghie. I progressed through the Intermediate Orchestra (led by Richard) and finally into the Senior Orchestra (led by David Ross and Ian Naylor). Throughout this journey I learned from and was inspired by Ian Naylor, David Ross, Kate Hartley, Mathew Knowles, Rachel Greene, Travis Finch, and Heather Burge. Alongside many more friends made during rehearsals, breakout, and performances.

Time with the Music Hub was empowering and built my confidence through collaboration with other students and listening closely to the wisdom and performances of seniors. I remember it was always a treat to hear the Hubs Music Leaders play their instruments. I particularly remember performing the Nutcracker suite at Sheffield Cathedral during the Christmas Extravaganza (December 2019), performing alongside 2000 other students with the Halle Orchestra at Sheffield City Hall (April, 2016), and performing at Kelham Island with Sheffield Senior Orchestra with renowned tabla player Kuljit Bhamra (March, 2019).

Education after the Music Hub

I chose to pursue the technical and scientific side of sound, while my hobbies centre around creative practices. Specifically, I enjoy Electro-Acoustic composition, Field Recording, and Spatial Audio. I now embark in a career in Acoustics, having recently filled a position at Nova Acoustics after my studies in Audio and Acoustics concluded at Leeds Beckett University. However, I can say with confidence that If I could go back to the start of my Music Hub journey and do it all again – I would jump at the chance.

Where are you now?

Since leaving Sheffield to pursue Environmental and Building Acoustics, I have graduated with a First-Class BSc (Hons) and achieved the award for Excellence in Audio Engineering. My composition and Audio-Visual work with close friend Joab Harrison have been shown in Manchester, Stockholm, New York, and Sydney. Considering where I am now, Cello is very much still in my fingers. However, the skills of critical listening and collaboration are most applicable to my profession. My fond memories with the Sheffield Music Hub, Cello lessons, and classical music as a whole will always remain a significant part of my upbringing. And I play my instruments now as part of a solo but important meditative and mindful practice.