Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Johnson.
Hi Zoe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a born and bred Memphian – cultivated by the history and culture of my surroundings and family. I was raised to see and witness the power of music. To me, songs spoke what speeches could not. My parents were singers; my mother taught me piano and music theory. That classical training tuned me to the violin when it was time for middle school. For me, the violin was my first song. I have carried it with me ever since. The love for that passion carried me through high school; it decide my path in college. Now coming on three years after graduation with my Bachelor’s, the passion has inspired me to start my own journey using my own songs. I am now known today as not just a classically trained freelancing violinist. but now as a singer/songwriter, composer, and artist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was having doubts about how my life will unfold as my college chapter was starting to close. I was not confident in my abilities to be able to support myself as a musician or getting to use my degree. It felt that there were so many paths as a musician, and I did not know which ones to take or how many I could take. A musician can be a teacher, freelancer, artist -such as in a band, symphony or some kind of group – collaborator with other arts, a therapist; so many choices. At the end of 2020, I had an identity awakening, which caused me to experience turmoil in my family for the first time in my life. I was experience burn-out and frustration with certain classes in school that I could not seem to pass. In total, it took me five and a-half years to complete my bachelor’s degree. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I finished my last semester at the University of Memphis. Because of that, I was able to secure at least one stable job I have had since June of 2023. It afforded me an opportunity that was helpful to me at that time. I made new relationships, and I was able to work on my first original music. I was determined to finish, and I did. Ever since early 2024, it has been a journey into my artistry to build on what it is today and beyond.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a virtuoso strings musician that uses my classical training to create original work. Using my early background of music theory, I am able to compose pieces of different genres. My knowledge in multiple genres shows through my composing. The strings are my chorus to conduct and connect. I am known for my own unique melodies and the way I compose known genres. I am most proud and grateful for my album DAWN. It is an achievement I never thought I would complete. I am proud of the three pieces I composed for a string quartet. I look forward to hearing those recordings in the future. I am most humbled by the lyrics God has given me for the songs in which I use my voice.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I thank the Most High for His guidance The, there are my parents and older brother Malik. I thank my grandmother Inez. I thank Britta Hall and Sherry Fuller, my middle and high school orchestra directors. I thank PRIZM and the Memphis Youth Symphony Program. I thank my alma mater APSU and Dr. Emily Hanna Crane. I thank my home church Breath of Life Christian Center and finally the city of Memphis for honing my music education and skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/avidviolin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avidviolin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@avidviolinzoe
