Sean, an individual who receives services from Aspire of WNY, is well known around the agency for his extraordinary talent for playing the guitar. This talent has not only brought him joy but also has helped to boost his self-confidence and realize his full potential.
Although Sean is largely self-taught, his musical journey began in 2012 when he first started taking guitar lessons. After a brief hiatus, he returned to his lessons with renewed passion and has been perfecting his craft ever since. Today, Sean continues to take weekly guitar lessons at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts in Jamestown.
Reflecting on his early days with the guitar, Sean shares, “I used to be into country music but I got sick of it. I tried out rap music, but I got bored. When I got into rock music, it just stuck like glue. The first song I ever learned was a punk rock song called “Stare at the Sun” by Frice.” Inspired by bands like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, AC/DC, Metallica, and the Foo Fighters, Sean now identifies most with the hard rock genre. His two favorite bands are KISS and Green Day. While he mostly performs cover songs, Sean hopes to write his own music someday.
Mika, Sean’s Self-Directed-Services staff, has witnessed Sean’s growth over the years. “He’s really grown a lot, both musically and within himself. He’s learned a lot of new things since I first met him a few years ago, and the guitar really helps him put himself out there. He plays open mics at the Beer Snob, a bar in Jamestown, and at Chautauqua’s Got Talent, he played in front of an auditorium full of people.”
Sean’s performances include open mics, bars, sporting events, and various venues, but his favorite performance was at Chautauqua’s Got Talent this past Spring. He recalls making new friends and advancing to the third round of the competition, performing “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams, “Panama” by Van Halen, and “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi.
Looking ahead, Sean hopes to one day form a band of his own. “I would like to start a rock band, being the guitarist and lead singer. If I were to start a band though, it would have to be with people I can trust and communicate with. I like to perform solo, but playing in a group is more fun,” Sean explains.
Outside of being a rockstar, Sean works at “Allied Industries”, where he sews tabs and hardware on military gear for the US Armed Forces, and lives independently in his own apartment in Jamestown. A man of many talents, Sean also enjoys sketching, snowboarding, making costumes, and cooking for family and friends. His advice to others? “Try not to take yourself too seriously.”