From Beats to Brighton: Ashton’s Musical Journey

When Ashton first walked through the gates of Woodstock School in Grade 9, he wasn’t just beginning high school – he was stepping into a story already in motion. With grandparents who served as missionaries across India and a mother who once roamed the same hills as a student, Ashton’s arrival was a homecoming of sorts. But for him, it wasn’t simply about honouring legacy – it was about carving out something uniquely his.

And he found it in sound.

“Coming to Woodstock helped me branch out,” Ashton reflects. “I got into music, joined the AV crew and started doing things that aligned with what I wanted to pursue.”

From an early age, Ashton showed a clear passion for music. By the age of 10, he was already producing tracks and by 11, he had begun DJ-ing. His involvement with Parker Hall and the AV crew during Summer School 2024 marked a turning point – a moment when his interests found a meaningful outlet. He quickly became an integral part of the team, deepening his technical skills, mentoring younger students and combining musical talent with a strong grasp of audio-visual technology to enhance the creative environment.

Ask Ashton about his favourite memories and he won’t point to a single performance or award. He’ll talk about late nights with the AV crew, butter chicken from Rokeby’s and the quiet joy of community built under stage lights and soundboards.

It’s fitting that Ashton’s final project at Woodstock is a sonic tapestry of the school’s cultural richness – an album featuring an Argentinian piece, a Balkan song and a track with the Hindi Christian Choir. It’s a celebration of diversity, stitched together by someone who understands the power of sound to unite.

You can explore Ashton’s full project, Convergence: The Woodstock Collection 2025, on his independent music site. It’s a vibrant showcase of original compositions and collaborations that reflect the musical traditions brought to Woodstock by students and staff alike: https://ashtonhs.my.canva.site/convergence-woodstock-school-independent-music-project-2025.

Brighton Bound – and Beyond

Now, Ashton is taking his talents to WaterBear College of Music in Brighton, UK, where he’ll study Electronic Music. His ambitions are as layered as his compositions – producing, performing, DJ-ing and staying immersed in the world of sound.

“If I’m writing, producing or performing – I’ll be happy. I just want to stay connected to music in some way.”

His journey is a testament to what happens when passion meets opportunity – and it’s exactly the kind of story Woodstock hopes to nurture through its upcoming Pre-Conservatory Music Mastery Programme, launching in the 2026–2027 academic year.

Introducing the Pre-Conservatory Music Mastery Programme

Inspired by students like Ashton, this new initiative will offer aspiring musicians a rigorous, immersive experience in music theory, composition, performance and production. Whether you’re a classical pianist or a future film scorer, the programme is designed to prepare students for conservatory-level study and professional careers in music.

It’s not just about mastering scales – it’s about mastering your voice.

Ashton’s Advice to Future Musicians

“Figure out what you want to do in life and then tailor your Woodstock experience to that. I focused this past year on building a music portfolio – and it paid off. Woodstock gives you that freedom to shape your own journey.”

Ashton’s story is proof that when you follow your beat, the world listens.

And for those just beginning their journey, the stage is being set. The lights are warming. The soundcheck is nearly complete.