A musician who lives to inspire and uplift through sound.
Why I Play
When I was three, I traveled to Chicago to spend quality time with my aging Aunt Bet and Uncle Grady. Uncle Grady was a pharmacist by day and a jazz musician by night. While at their home, Uncle Grady let me test numerous expensive instruments. When I returned home to Cincinnati, I declared that I had to play the violin. Six months later, I had a violin in my hand and have been playing ever since.
The violin is my favorite way to express myself. I love the challenge of learning new repertoire. It allows me to explore the backgrounds, perspectives, and theories behind composers’ works, and I combine this knowledge with my own life experiences and emotions to deliver effective performances.
Along with studying music on my own, I enjoy learning from others’ approaches to classical music. I get inspiration from listening to some of my favorite violinists, such as Augustin Hadelich and Julia Fischer. I also love discussing musical ideas with my peers at chamber rehearsals.
I have met some of my closest friends through music, and many of my role models for life inside and outside the practice room are incredible musicians and teachers.
Why I Compose
As an African American musician, various genres such as jazz, spirituals, hip-hop, and R&B are a part of my heritage. I use composition not only to express myself but also to fuse these genres with my classical music training. I recognize a lack of black composers and want to help fix that issue through my writing. I also love music theory, and I apply my knowledge of classical and jazz harmony in my compositions.
My Mission
As a violinist, I will give performances that are personal, genuine, and respectful of the composer's intentions. I will emphasize lesser-known repertoire, especially pieces by Black composers, to increase the diversity of classical repertoire played.
As a composer, I will write tasteful and meaningful music accessible to audiences unfamiliar with classical music. My compositions will take inspiration from late romanticism, impressionism, jazz, and hip-hop.
I will perform and write music to move and inspire people and spark their interest in classical music.
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