Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Rorrer.
Chris, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a multi-instrumentalist and composer currently living in the Long Beach area. Hailing from the small college town of Corvallis, Oregon, I began my musical journey on the violin at age five. I am blessed that my mom (a pianist and organist herself) started me in music so young. I’m equally grateful that my parents put up with my screeching bow sounds and occasional fits of frustration in the early years of building my technical vocabulary, and made sure I persisted when there were plenty of other distractions for kids (Pokémon had just come out…) The violin provided me a solid foundation but I now thank my ten-year-old self for switching to the cello, as the deep, resonant, and distinctly human tone enticed me. I soon joined orchestras, participated in chamber music, and performed whenever I had the chance. I also started picking up other instruments, namely electric bass, guitar, and piano. I kept up my singing as well, which came in handy when I started my first rock band – expressing my first bouts of angst by yelling “Smells Like Teen Spirit” at the top of my lungs. In eighth grade, I started and writing, arranging, and performing my own music that I composed at the piano.
Meanwhile, I internalized the stylistic nuances from my dad’s CD collection of grunge, pop/rock, and regional indie bands acquired from his travels. In high school, music was my therapy amid the stress of trying to do it all, participating in sports teams and taking A.P. classes. Luckily, I was introduced to a community of musicians who knew the struggle. I began studying with local jazz legend Dave Storrs, who helped me develop a grounded musical time feel and approach applicable to any instrument or musical style, helping me return to the ancient roots of music-making. Worried about the pressures of music school and making a living in the field, I chose to major in Japanese in college (languages are another passion of mine) and later switched to healthcare management. Shortly after completing my undergraduate, I realized working in hospitals or clinics wasn’t for me. I went to Tokyo and taught English for a couple of months but struggled to feel happy there, despite being fluent in the language.
I came back home and finally realized that I had no choice – spreading the love of music was how I wanted to spend my life in whichever shape that might look like, and take on the joys and hardships of this unpredictable path one day at a time. I have since moved between Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, performing, recording, and teaching music in a variety of settings. I also served as a worship leader and music director at several churches and established a community music outreach program in the East Portland area called Everybody Rocks. I finally released my debut solo pop/rock album, Enraptured, in 2017. In 2018, I started a Master’s program in cello performance at California State University Long Beach, from which I will graduate this coming May. I’m looking forward to continuing my musical adventure as soon as I’m out of school, equipped with new tools and perspectives, tougher skin, and (I hope) a deeper understanding of myself and others.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have many interests but music has always given me the most joy and satisfaction and has always been my most personal endeavor. You could say most of the struggle has been internal. I have often doubted my aptitude to be a professional musician and make a go of it in the field. I am extremely grateful for my classical training, however, I often struggle with perfectionism as a regular performer and have a hard time letting myself off the hook when a recital doesn’t go as well as I’d hoped or I flub a musical line. Playing cello, especially, is an athletic pursuit and requires a synergy of physical, emotional, and spiritual health to reach the highest level that one can achieve. The stresses of music school, supporting myself financially in Los Angeles and finding a supportive community here have in the past been overwhelming. I am glad to say now that after being here for almost four years, most of these issues have been resolved and I’ve been surrounded by more love than ever before.
I still have high expectations for myself, but I’m re-learning the critical skill of showing myself compassion. My physical health has been a challenge at times as well. Performing music full-time can exhaust anyone quickly, so I make it a priority to rest and recharge as often as needed. These days, I often experience insomnia, especially when my anxiety levels are high. However, these things are nothing that self-care and mindset shifts cannot improve. Life offers countless opportunities for growth each day. I am incredibly grateful for having the freedom to pursue my art, and humbled by the fact that many do not have the opportunity to do so.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist and composer. I will earn my Master’s of Music in Cello Performance in May from California State University Long Beach. I also sing and play guitar and piano professionally. I am classically trained, yet equally fluent in the jazz and pop/rock worlds. As a session musician, I have played on a number of both live-action and animated films. Collaborating with fellow musicians and across disciplines is my lifeblood and I make it my utmost priority to bring creative visions to life, no matter how grand. I enjoy bringing a spirit of fun and flow into every project I am lucky enough to be a part of. I am also a passionate educator, and delight in helping equip others with the skills necessary to play the music that is in their heart. In everything I do, it is always a pleasure getting to know fellow human beings, learning about what motivates them and the causes they are fighting for. I also speak Japanese fluently and some Mandarin!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I spent a lot of time drawing as a child. I had a comic book series called “The Two Dogs,” in which my caped pup superheroes Patrick and Henry would save people from sinking ships and burning buildings. I also used to compose crazy pieces for pipe organ on staff paper and have my mom play them so I could hear my creations come to life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ChrisRorrerMusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrorrermusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisRorrerMusic/
Image Credit:
Photo 1&2: Jake Bottiglieri
Photo 3-6: Alyssa Ebeteur
Photo 7: Unknown
Photo 8: Jackie Gutt
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