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Sean Stone, a 2025 Lincoln Trail College graduate, is gaining international recognition for his powerful and faith-inspired compositions. His piece "Temptation鈥檚 Embrace" recently won the Gold Prize in the London Young Musician (LYM) Original Composition Performance competition and another Gold Prize in the Schubert International Music Competition UK. His work "Lux Invicta" earned Silver Prizes in both competitions.
Stone said the recognition took him by surprise.
鈥淚 was shocked when I learned that I received gold and silver in both of the competitions,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 love all the support that I get from people within my circle, but to finally get feedback from unbiased professionals is something I have wanted for a long time. For me, although it was an amazing feeling to receive gold and silver, I appreciated their feedback where they actually described my pieces as 鈥楤rilliant鈥!鈥
Stone credited his former instructor, Yvonne Newlin, for encouraging him to enter.
鈥淵vonne Newlin is the sole reason why I entered these competitions,鈥 Stone said. 鈥淎lthough I was definitely hesitant, her strong belief in me as a pianist motivated me to take the step forward. If she hadn鈥檛 urged me to apply and submit both of my compositions, it might not have happened.鈥
The London Young Musician competition is an international online event for musicians under 28 that seeks to discover creative and technically skilled performers. The Schubert International Music Competition UK celebrates artistic innovation and honors Franz Schubert鈥檚 legacy by encouraging musicians to push the boundaries of expression.
Stone鈥檚 award-winning compositions are steeped in symbolism and faith.
"Temptation鈥檚 Embrace" is the first movement in his piano series The 7 Seals, inspired by the spiritual and emotional trials described in the Book of Revelation.
鈥淭emptation鈥檚 Embrace represents the opening of the first seal in Revelation, the rider on the white horse,鈥 Stone explained. 鈥淭his rider appears noble, but actually brings false peace and spiritual deception. This movement marks the beginning of the world鈥檚 fall from grace, when evil first enters鈥攏ot with chaos, but with sophisticated charm.鈥
His Silver-winning piece, "Lux Invicta" 鈥 Latin for 鈥淯nconquered Light鈥 鈥 reflects his deep faith.
鈥淚 grew up praying in Latin, which is why I titled this piece in Latin,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t represents how I envision the Holy Spirit. A divine, unshakable light that lives within each of us. This piece tells the story of someone who walks through a life marked by hardship, suffering, and inner turmoil 鈥 yet despite it all, emerges with their faith not only intact, but stronger than before.鈥
Stone said his process is driven by emotion rather than strict methodology.
鈥淭o be so honest, I don鈥檛 have a specific method to the way I compose,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 simply sit down, and try to figure out what melody provokes the emotion I am reaching for, and by the grace of God, it works out!鈥
Stone鈥檚 ultimate goal is to use music to bring Biblical stories to life.
鈥淎s a composer, I鈥檝e always admired the greats and their ability to move souls through music. But I often wondered, 鈥榃hat if music like that 鈥 rich, expressive, timeless鈥攃ould be used not only to glorify God, but also to tell the stories of the Bible?鈥 That question guides my work entirely. I hope to find an opportunity where I can establish a team to start an initiative where classical musicians use their gifts to not just make beautiful music, but to tell the stories from the most important book, the Bible.鈥
Stone continues to compose multiple works simultaneously, believing that working across styles strengthens his creativity.
Stone credits Lincoln Trail College with giving him the foundation to pursue composition.
鈥淭ruthfully, if I had never gone to Lincoln Trail College, I would not have begun my journey as a musical composer,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 am forever grateful for my time at Lincoln Trail and am blessed to have been a part of a community that challenged, promoted, and supported me.鈥