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ABOUT

My Early Musician Days: A Remarkable Journey of Musical Excellence

Aloha! I’m Derick Sebastian, a Maui-born who found his calling at the age of eleven with a ukulele in my hands. This humble instrument was not just a tool, but a gateway to hope, excitement, and grand dreams. My journey in music began there, weaving through a path of unwavering faith and relentless hard work. In those early days, I emerged as an internationally acclaimed ukulele virtuoso, capturing hearts worldwide. My instrumental piece, 'From His Heart,' even earned a Na Hoku Hanohano 2010 nomination, marking the onset of a career filled with accolades and awe-inspiring performances.

I had the honor of sharing stages with some of the brightest stars in the industry. I performed alongside Jason Mraz, resonated with the harmonious sounds of Raining Jane, and felt the powerful presence of Trombone Shorty. Collaborating with legendary Christian artists like Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, and Bernie Herms was a dream come true. I cherished moments with country music icons like Lukas Nelson, Lily Meola, Chris Young, and Sara Evans, making my early years unforgettable.
 
The ukulele world embraced me warmly, leading to collaborations with the likes of Jake Shimabukuro. I also shared cherished moments with R&B sensations like Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight. Even Oprah Winfrey sought a private performance and ukulele lesson! 

I had the honor of sharing stages with some of the brightest stars in the industry. I performed alongside Jason Mraz, resonated with the harmonious sounds of Raining Jane, and felt the powerful presence of Trombone Shorty. Collaborating with legendary Christian artists like Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, and Bernie Herms was a dream come true. I cherished moments with country music icons like Lukas Nelson, Lily Meola, Chris Young, and Sara Evans, making my early years unforgettable.
The ukulele world embraced me warmly, leading to collaborations with the likes of Jake Shimabukuro. I also shared cherished moments with R&B sensations like Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight. Even Oprah Winfrey sought a private performance and ukulele lesson! 

My journey took me to iconic venues like Crypto Arena, Dodger Stadium, Chase Field, Oracle Park, T-Mobile Park, Sloan Park, Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Field, and to prestigious events such as TEDx Santa Cruz and Life Surge. My music found a special place in PIXAR Animation Studios, on ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy,' and in the realms of MLB, NBA, PGA, NCAA, ESPN, and EA SPORTS. Those early days were a mesmerizing part of my life, where every strum on my ukulele was a step towards a legacy of musical excellence. 
 
Looking back, I realize music gave me more than a career. It reconnected me with hope, purpose, and the people who believed in me when I needed it most. Long before I stood on major stages around the world, I was discovering a truth that still guides my work today: our greatest breakthroughs happen when we reconnect with what matters most.

The Present: Sharing the Spirit of Aloha

Today, my work extends far beyond music. As a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and cultural artist, I help individuals and organizations reconnect with what matters most through transformational storytelling, live music, and the spirit of Aloha.

Whether speaking on stage, performing music, or sharing lessons from my own journey, my mission remains the same: to help people rediscover clarity, strengthen meaningful relationships, and live with greater purpose, courage, and intention. 

Because when we connect with what matters most, we don't just change how we work...we change how we live, lead, and love. 

 The Heart Behind My Work

My work isn't about helping people become someone else. It's about helping them reconnect with who they were created to be. 

Life has a way of pulling us away from what matters most.

Success, hardship, busyness, disappointment—even achievement—can slowly disconnect us from our purpose, our relationships, our faith, and the people we were created to become.

That's why my work is built around one simple belief:

Our greatest breakthroughs happen when we reconnect with what matters most.

When that happens, people don't just perform better. They live with greater purpose. They lead with greater clarity. They love more deeply.

 

Bring Derick to Your Event

If you're interested in bringing Derick Sebastian’s keynote experience to your conference, leadership gathering, or corporate event, visit the speaking page below.

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