Self-taught child drummer from Seascale lands first live St Bees gig

Seth Arnold, of Seascale, told his mum, Shameem he wanted a drumkit about two years ago despite never playing the drums before.

His mum bought him a second-hand drumkit online and was astonished when Seth picked up the drumsticks and just began playing.

Shameem said: “It was incredible, really. It’s something he was always interested in. He has that ability in him and is very in tune with music and always has been.

“When Seth was a baby, he used to rock in time with the music. He always felt the beat of music.”

Seth can also play the piano and the guitar. His family noticed that he was ‘gifted with music’.

Seth Arnold could play the drums without ever having a lesson (Image: Submitted)

Shameem said: “He can just play. It must be frustrating for his music teacher because he plays by ear rather than reading the music.

“We knew there was something there but the drumming was a shock when he was able to just play straightaway, without having a lesson.

“He hasn’t stopped since. He plays every day.”

Shameem said Seth, who is autistic, feels most comfortable when playing the drums and the family are encouraging him to do what he loves because it is his ‘safe space’.

Music teacher Lee Shackley, who taught Seth to play the guitar, told the youngster’s family that he had a natural talent for drumming and should be playing live.

Seth will play the drums alongside Lee and a live band at the Memorial Hall in St Bees next month.

The Seascale Primary School pupil, who is ‘obsessed’ with the Arctic Monkeys, said he feels ‘happy’ and ‘proud’ when playing the drums.

Seth's music teacher, Lee Shackley, says he has a 'natural talent' for playing the drums (Image: Submitted)

He said: “I first got interested in drumming when I heard the White Stripes music. I knew then I had to have a drumkit.

“I'm really grateful for being able to play because I never thought I could be this good at something and now I know I am and I know I can be successful.”

Lee Shackley, a music teacher at St Bees School, added: “He’s definitely got a natural talent. When I watch him play, he doesn’t miss a beat. He’s got a good ear for it.

“To be able to teach yourself these things requires listening in detail. He picks up on absolutely everything. He’s definitely ready to be out playing with other people already.”