CONSERVATORY of MUSIC
sean croal
About
Sean Croal is an upright and electric bassist, as well as a composer, bandleader, and educator. Sean was born in Alberta but left at a young age to study bass in Doha, Qatar under renowned bassist Matteo Gaspari of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. During his music degree, Sean was selected for an exchange to Finland in order to further develop as an educator and performer.
Now based in Canada, Sean is quickly establishing himself as one of the most active names in Alberta's music scene, playing alongside the likes of Bob Mintzer, Terell Stafford, and Charlie Austin to name a few. Sean leads his own ensemble whose performances take an exciting and energetic approach to the jazz trio, incorporating baroque, swing, and hard-bop.
Outside of his own ensembles, Sean has performed in several groups within Alberta, including the Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra Borealis, Don Berner Big Band, MacEwan Big Band, and many others. Sean continues to establish himself throughout Alberta, whilst still being a part of the development and education in the music community throughout Canada and beyond.
Lessons
Sean believes that each individual is unique in their musical goals and abilities, and as such, requires specific and individualistic feedback based on these goals. Whether you’re an elementary band student picking up an instrument for the first time, or an adult amateur, or looking to prepare for university auditions, his aim is to help students achieve their musical goals by tailoring an individual curriculum that reflects those goals.
Lessons are available online or in-person through his home studio in the Strathcona area. He teaches kids, teens, and adults from beginner to advanced levels.
Request lessons to dicuss lessons availabiltiy and rates.
Education
- Metropolia University (Helsinki, Finland). Studied Instrumental Pedagogy, Education and Performance
- MacEwan University (Edmonton AB). Graduated with distinction
- Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music. Major in Performance
- Conducting (MacEwan University). Studied conducting for various ensembles with Raymond Baril of the Edmonton Winds
- Qatar Music Academy - Katara (Doha Qatar, Middle East). Lessons and workshops on Middle Eastern Instruments
Performances / compositions / recordings
- Calgary International Jazz Days Festival 2022 - Sean Croal Trio
- Medicine Hat Jazz Festival 2022 - Ciara Hager Quartet
- Opening band for MAGIC! at the Station on Jasper
Awards / grants / fellowships
- Alberta Music Micro-grant - 2021
- Edmonton Arts Council grant for Exploration and Experimentation - 2020
- Dean’s List for Academic Excellence - 2017
Professional associations and memberships
- Edmonton Musicians Association
- Calgary Musicians Association
- The Association of Independent Music Teachers at Alberta College
Boards and Committees
- New Standards - Treasurer