Saquona Astwood is celebrating graduating from Leeds Conservatoire, while building a growing platform that combines music, education, creativity and cultural representation.
Photos of Saquona Astwood throughout. Credit: Liam Booth
Originally from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the 29-year-old moved thousands of miles to study Music Production at the conservatoire. While the transition came with challenges, including adapting to a new culture and balancing motherhood alongside her studies, Saquona found the experience hugely beneficial.
"Moving to the UK was a huge change and definitely a culture shock, especially coming from the tropical climate of the Turks and Caicos Islands," she said. "Being so far from my family was difficult at times, but the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally."
She added: "What attracted me to Leeds Conservatoire was the balance between being professional while still having a very down-to-earth and welcoming atmosphere. I wanted somewhere I could take my passion for music seriously, develop the technical and creative skills behind music production, but also feel comfortable being myself."
Saquona’s third-year audio documentary project, which introduced her to a new form of storytelling, sparked a passion she is pursuing beyond graduation. Alongside academic achievements, Saquona reached a major personal milestone by becoming a mother while studying for her degree.
"Having my son while completing my degree added a completely different chapter to my journey," she said. "Balancing motherhood and my studies wasn't always easy, but it made reaching graduation even more meaningful."
Saquona has established Saquona Creates, a platform focused on making music education more accessible for young learners. Inspired by her own experiences in music production, she has authored a series of children’s books introducing creative and technical concepts in engaging ways.
One title, My First Music Studio: ABCs of Music Production, introduces children to music production terminology, instruments and equipment through the alphabet. Another book, My First Music Studio: Trace, Read & Draw, combines early learning skills with music production concepts through interactive activities. My First Turks and Caicos Adventure, meanwhile, has a different direction and celebrates the beauty, culture and spirit of the islands.
"For me, the books are also about representation," she explained. "I want children, especially young girls, to see music production as something they can explore and potentially pursue in the future."
Looking ahead, she plans to continue expanding both her music production career and the educational resources available through Saquona Creates. Saquona hopes to see her books used in schools and learning environments, including within her birthplace.
"Graduating doesn't feel like the end of my journey," she said. "It feels like the beginning of what I can now build."
