Starry-eyed but hard-headed – And ready to “make waves” in the music business 

Jonathan Bassily is determined to make it as a pop star. But first he aims to acquire the academic armoury needed to help him navigate the complexities of the music industry. 

He plans to study law or business at university to make sure he understands the commercial and marketing side of music, and to acquire legal skills to get to grips with issues like copyright laws. 

The singer/songwriter has already made some encouraging forays into the often fickle world of entertainment. He won this year’s Battle Of The Bands, has won prizes at the Sydney Eisteddfod, and has three singles on mainstream streaming services, as well as Triple J’s Unearthed website. 

“My true dream is to become a famous singer. It’s going to be really hard; nothing is easy. But I feel like it’s going to happen,” he said. 

The Trinity prefect, who started singing at the age of six with his mum Marsha and dad Sam at their Coptic Orthodox Christian Church in Kensington, said the School had helped his ambitions “big time”. 

“The Trinity Music Department is the most caring and nurturing department … I promise you they are the best.  

“They have encouraged me from Year 7 all the way up to Year 12 to improve my music. 

“School got me confident. I have music in my life every day. It helps me get through my day, helps me in tough situations, helps me feel good.” 

He said the School focused on the “whole person”, adding: “Whatever your kid wants to be, Trinity will help him get there.” 

Singing Handel’s Messiah at the 2024 Gala Concert was one of the stand-out memories of his school days, along with performing his own songs in winning Battle Of The Bands, appearing in the musical The Commitments, and being part of a winning relay team at the CAS track and field titles in Year 7. 

His favourite IB subject was Theory Of Knowledge. “Can you believe it?! It really got me developing critical thinking, which is a life skill. I almost felt like my brain expanded and a light bulb went off. 

“After attending the Uni open days, Year 1 at Uni doesn’t look any scarier than the IB.” 

One reason he chose the IB was because a lot of his “positive” friends were doing it. 

“Being surrounded by the right people either makes or breaks you. I knew I needed good and supportive people to spend those two years with.” 

He also made sure he had plenty of rest and recovery time, saying: “Sleep and exercise are important.” 

“I still used socials (media), but reduced it so it wasn’t cluttered with toxic people or material.” 

His advice to others emphasises planning. 

“Don’t assume you have time (you don’t). Listen to your teachers in class (it’s “free tutoring”). Sleep. Don’t waste time with people who don’t want to see you succeed.  Work hard now, rest later.” 

His immediate plans are to “make more music, get a manager, market more on socials, and get some gigs. Basically, make some waves in the music industry.”