Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Meeks.
Hi Joseph, 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?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a love for music. When I was younger, I would rehearse my favorite songs on the radio until I could sing every lyric and hit every adlib or instrumental break. However, my parents never got me into any lessons to learn an instrument. That changed when I started playing the violin when I was in 5th grade. What I thought was going to be a hobby (and a great substitute for art class which I was terrible in) turned out to become a huge part of my life and the main way I express myself today. I was classically trained in public schools until I went to college. I then had to teach myself, with the help of great musicians I’ve met along the way, how to play by ear. After a few years of playing solos or at events in bands, I finally listened to those close to me and decided to play my violin professionally. Currently, I am researching and studying music theory to better understand music as a whole and how different elements blend together to produce the perfect sound. Music is everything to me. I use it to motivate myself, calm down or destress, and to truly get lost in the world we live in.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
While I absolutely love music, it hasn’t always been an easy journey. Music was just a pastime when I was younger, but became so much more than that as I faced adversity. My mother was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 12 years old. Her condition brought a lot of change to our family, a change that I was not quite mature enough to be able to deal with. So, my response was to lose myself in music. I found myself spending hours and hours in my middle school’s orchestra practice room, perfecting my craft and escaping the reality that waited for me at home. When my family exited that rough season, I came out as a polished violinist that went on to perform and compete regionally. After graduating high school, I wanted to still play my violin in college. However, the workload of playing in a local orchestra or for UNT was entirely too much for me to handle, even as a minor. So, to still play my violin without the responsibilities, I decided to play for my church every now and then. However, this was a huge adjustment and challenge to my skills. Up to that point, I had always played with sheet music, but with my church (Faith Filled Church) we just “flowed”. It took a long time for me to not only learn how to play songs by ear but also to improvise and truly let the Spirit flow. I had some days where I sounded good, and others where I could never get into a groove. But with consistent practice and support from those around me, I was able to push through the barriers and limitations I set on myself and now I have evolved in a way that I can perform any song but with a twist on it if I see fit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional violinist that can perform any song in any genre (classical, pop, rap/hip-hop, R&B, worship, etc.). My training in both classical music and music theory along with growing up in a diverse community, allows me to produce a unique sound and renditions that cannot be found anywhere else. What sets me apart from other musicians is the versatility I possess in making music. Whether it’s playing a popular song, a remix, or even just flowing over an instrumental, the ambient sounds created by my strings is an experience to behold. This allows me to fit the scene for any event, whether it be a wedding or a lit birthday party, my flow will leave a lasting impression.
I am most proud of being an African-American that has been able to push past social perceptions and expectations through hard work, talent, and support. It’s not common to find a black man that plays the violin so well and that is something I take pride in.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A book that helps me be the best Joseph that I can be each and every day is “31 days to a better you” written by my mentor, Joshua Okpara. This book takes you on a journey, guiding you as you take a step back to look at yourself and recreate the foundation of your life. It provides strategies and tips that can provide real change and growth when implemented. This book has equipped me to become a better version of myself and is definitely in my rotation of readings.
Pricing:
- One song – $150
- Two songs – $180
- 30-minute performance – $210
- 1-hour performance – $250
- Prices may vary. To get a quote for your event, visit https://www.ambientstrings.
com/book
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ambientstrings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephhenrymeeks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josephmeeksviolin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCENDnrwHNgVjYUn9rAV8ow
- Other: https://linktr.ee/josephhenrymeeks
Image Credits
Eric Nwokocha
