Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Willingham.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hello! I’m Zoe Imani Willingham, an aspiring musician currently pursuing a degree in Violin Performance at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. My musical journey began at ten years old by teaching myself the guitar, then moving on to the violin the next year. In 2017, I entered the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program (TDP) under the tutelage of Sanford Salzinger, a section violinist of the ASO. I am an alumna of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program, where I studied with Sanford Salzinger, a violinist of the ASO. I have served as Concertmaster at the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and my high school orchestra, Stilwell School of the Arts; and I have placed in competitions such as the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 2020 Talent Hunt Competition and the MYSO Scholarship Competition. In conjunction with community symphonic endeavors, I have served my community through solo performances as well by engaging in outreach recitals sponsored by TDP and my high school, and mentoring young musicians. Nevertheless, my interests extend beyond the violin to include the guitar. With eight years of experience under my belt, I have led guitar ensembles in my high school guitar program and served as a TA for my guitar teacher. All my life, my greatest passion has been music and sharing my love of music with people, and I will continue to do this for as long as I live.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ask any musician and they’ll tell you at least one audition they didn’t make, at least one performance that didn’t go well. I have been blessed with many achievements and highlights, but there were times that I didn’t make the cut. However, from those times, I learned that when one door closes, another opens, which means that it is so important to always keep moving, keep practicing, keep improving, keep auditioning because there is a place for everyone.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your music – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My brand, Zoe Imani Music, is unique because it does not only include the violin but the guitar as well. I teach students of all ages and levels how to hone and improve their skills, and I strive to keep the joy of music alive through them. I am most known for my solo violin performances throughout my community, and I must say that they are the most rewarding. My most proud moment was when I was invited to perform at the University of Georgia for the induction ceremony of Mary Francis Early, the first black female graduate of UGA. I believe that being a black female violinist sets me apart in itself from the world of classical music. Lack of representation is something that all minorities face, but in the classical world, the struggle is even greater. This is why I strive to be a leader in the arts, and I hope to show other musicians of color that it is possible to have a career in classical music.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My dream is to travel as a performer. I don’t want to live a sedentary lifestyle just yet, so until then, I would love to travel the world and see all the beautiful concert halls and tourist attractions. In the future, once I stop traveling, I would like to become a college violin professor. Of course, I will continue to serve in my community and give back what they gave me: music.
Pricing:
- Violin Lessons $40/1 hour session
- Guitar Lessons $25/30 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zoeimanimusic.carrd.co/
- Email: zoeimaniw01@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe.violin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoeimanimusic
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWoSy_ktUir6w0nLxz2uGVg/featured?view_as=subscriber, https://gf.me/u/ypc29r
Image Credit:
Isnapdu Photography
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