Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At the age of 3 , in 1975 I was selected to participate in a children’s Violin prodigy program to study with Betty Haig . That program resulted in a series of annual concerts held at Chicago’s Symphony Center beginning in 1978 and spanning an eight year period. The concerts were televised internationally via PBS broadcasts. I continued to study and perform with other programs including the Merit Music School , Interlochen as well with various private instructors..
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Even though I had garnered some media attention and won awards and accolades for my performances with elite children’s ensembles including Chicago Youth Symphony , All City and All State Competitions ensembles, and as Concert Master of Whitney Young High School and a 1st and 2nd Violinist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra at the age of 17 when most child prodigies peak I decided to focus on learning my own cultural music and I chose Jazz because I didn’t enjoy the racial tensions in the Classical tradition and I desired to be a concert soloist..
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
On a daily basis I perform as a Violin soloist as well as perform in chamber music ensembles. I perform for concerts private events , for public and exclusive private venues. I also busk regularly to keep up with new trends in music and to maintain a healthy practice regiment I specialize in Jazz and enthic folk music traditions.I also record and produce music for corporations and other artists . I’m most proud of the collection of collaborative music recordings that I have been afforded the ability to release through my own companies and that are available on various platforms via the internet. And finally the brand logo that I created which is a Violin symbol that has cultural symbolism reflective of all cultures it’s called the Universal Violin.I created it to promote harmony and cultural connection for Violinists of all backgrounds.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have always sought out mentors and I would highly recommend that Violinists looking for creative approaches to distinguishing themselves within a niche find elder musicians to support that can share wisdom from their experiences to guide their choices.
Pricing:
- Solo Performances with background tracks 1,500 including sound equipment for up to 150 guests indoors two 45 minute sets
- Chicago Gypsy Project 3-5 piece All Acoustic Ensemble $5000 two sets for concerts indoor backline provided by the venue
- Savoirfaire Jazz Quartet $25,000 concerts indoor backline provided by venue two 45 minute sets
- Violin and Dj $2500 small venues two 45 minute sets backline provided by venue
- Violin and Piano or Guitar or Harp $3,500 two 45 minute sets backline provided by venue or acoustic in small venues
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savoirfairejazzviolinist.com/meet-savoir-faire
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savoirfairejazzviolinist?igsh=MTV3Znpqa2U3MWpqNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savoirfairejazzviolinist?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savoirfairejazzviolinist?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
- Other: https://savoirfairejazzviolinist.bandcamp.com/music
