Conversations with Taylor Tookes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Tookes.

Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Clayton County, music has been a gift from my community.
On my first day of middle school, I was surprised with an audition for the new magnet orchestra at MD Roberts. My older siblings played viola and cello, so I chose the violin. I immediately fell in love with the sound and realized how therapeutic playing was for me. Violin is a canvas to express myself without words. Before I had my own violin, I practiced my orchestra music on a ladle, playing to a recording and imagining pressing on the strings. I heard Regina Carter play at Spivey Hall as a child, and I wanted to combine her playing style with my own sound. From then, I began dreaming of the possibilities of the instrument.

I decided to pursue music as my career when I played my first musical at Stilwell SOA, Up to that point, I had taught myself at home through YouTube and online forums. And I knew that in order to get to the next level, I needed a teacher. I began my studies after auditioning into the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Talent Development Program. With less than two years of lessons, I was accepted to the University of Michigan to study violin on scholarship.

I got to where I am today by advocating for myself, nurturing my sound, and making connections with artists and creatives that I believe in. Now, I am a professional violinist, concertmistress of the Renaissance Orchestra, and band member of Beats and Ballads.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has been meaningful. Violin requires support, money, time, resources, and our communities’ arts programs are consistently being cut or underfunded. I have had the privilege of learning through the public magnet and performing arts schools I attended, having free lessons and funding through TDP, and my scholarship at U-M. I would not stand where I am today without the support of my family, teachers, and community.

I am classically trained, but growing up in these spaces I did not feel as valued as my peers. Being one of the few Black musicians in the festivals and institutions I attended, I felt like an outsider with preconceived notions about my playing and worth. I struggled interacting with educators and peers who did not fully trust my ability to grow and learn. As a young musician, it hurts to be rejected when you are just getting started. But that taught me to advocate for myself, trust my passion, and find the rooms where I am celebrated instead of tolerated.

I learned to embrace the parts that made me unique, as they are my strengths, not weaknesses. My increasing desire for the recording studio over the orchestra hall, and my curiosity in contemporary and improvisational music, were indicators that stepping into my own artistic vision would be most fulfilling and liberating to my life.

Since school, I have been learning how to navigate my career as an entrepreneur. I believe in the work I have put into my craft, my ability to learn, and my community to guide my journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a violinist, producer, recording artist, composer, and educator. I specialize in contemporary styles including jazz, r&b, hiphop, and freeform improvisation. I am known for rocking the stage and private events as a soloist. As a versatile artist, you may see me playing with live band, orchestra, or in the theatre pit. I am most proud of my work as a performer and recording artist. I love playing on records because it encourages collaboration, immortalizes my music, reaches wider audiences.

I am currently composing and producing film scores in collaboration with Dance in Frame Productions, and I composed a ballet for the company in 2022.

My tone, technique and dedication to exploring the music sets me apart as a violinist and creative. By performing vulnerably and soulfully, I create immersive experiences that inspire and move audiences. I seek to serve others while empowering myself through sound.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
You are worthy of introducing yourself to anyone that you feel called to and/or inspires you, no matter how famous or esteemed. Come in with the mindset that you are a gift to them too. You never know who you may meet, they can change your life.
If you are networking, you have a vision or dream worth fighting for.
Go for the cold email, meet someone new at an event, keep in touch with people that want to pour into your life and career. Consider if an opportunity is a seed for a fruitful career, sometimes the connection will reward you more than the gig upfront. Have fun when meeting new people. Make a website, and make business cards.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taylortookes.con
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/taylortookes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.tookes/

Image Credits
Patrick Melon
Quality Lenz
Claudius Craig
Korrin Derring