Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylon Black
Hi Jaylon, 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?
Well I was born and raised in the Southside of Houston, Texas. From the earliest I can remember, music was always there. My entire family is musically inclined (though they hate to admit it) so music was present in every aspect of my life. From banging on my toddler drum set to singing in the church choir, music was a way of life. When school enrollment came around, It was only natural for my mom to enroll me into a music magnet program at 5 years old. It just so happened that day was also the day they were showcasing string instruments. Once I saw that violin, the rest was history.
I went 8 years treating violin as an activity I thoroughly enjoyed. It wasn’t until the end of middle school that I actually realized this hobby could actually be my career. I quickly went into a rabbit hole and led me to an interest in multiple genres and I started learning all the different possibilities of the violin all throughout the rest of grade school. I guess I was kind of known as the “rogue violinist” to the other traditional string players.
After High School, I made the easy decision to attend my dream school, Berklee College of Music with a concentration in violin and Music Education. I think this was the turning point of my musical journey. I met so many musicians and industry giants that poured into me and expounded on the things that I’d already been listening to and was familiar with but could not explain.
After I graduated from Berklee in 2020 I took a chance and immediately moved to Los Angeles at possibly the worst time I could have picked – August of 2020 (if you know, you know haha). However, I was fortunate enough to connect and network with some of the industry’s greatest producers and musical directors. Providing the very thing they needed both remotely and at the fraction of the cost, I guess it kind of spread like a wildfire. I suddenly found myself being an industry musician and working with the very same artists I grew up listening to.
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?
How long do you have? Being raised by a single mother in a low-income household that not only has to provide the normal needs that comes with a child but also has to support violin lessons, ensemble fees, and instruments,…the road was far from smooth. Although I did live in the “hood”, my mother wanted the best for me and placed me in the top magnet and performing arts programs in the city. However, I never quite fit in no matter where I was. In the Black community I was never considered “really black” because I played violin and was interested in different things. Even in orchestra, I was cast out because I was into playing other styles (not to mention also being one of the only black kids in the program). I felt alone. Being a good musician wasn’t enough. I had to always present the best to even be noticed. Music was all that was there. My playing was the only time I felt that people actually heard and connected with me. It’s still my first language.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
First off, I play the violin and viola. Being classically trained and later studying contemporary music and techniques, I’m prepared for whatever the performance calls for. I can read music as well as play by ear in all styles so I am known for my versatility. I’ve never wanted to be labeled as a “contemporary” or “classical” violinist but rather just a violinist. I believe that is what sets me apart from others. Instead of an artist calling several people to contract, arrange, record, perform, and mix a string part, I can do it all myself no matter if it’s for the Coachella stage or a world tour. Not only can I record myself, but I can arrange full orchestrations with all live instruments. Additionally, I am also a music educator. I teach a broad range of styles and ages on violin, viola, and bass guitar in any setting, whether it’s a masterclass to a private lesson.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think taking risks is crucial to achieving your goals and aspirations. You see throughout history all the greats took risks because they believed in their vision so much, that they stepped out on faith to carry them to greatness. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a risk-taker, but I would like to think that I share that same faith. My faith led me to pursue a path a lot of people shunned me for. My faith led me to move across the country in the middle of one of the worst pandemics in history to pursue my dream – sounds a little insane when you think about it haha. But at the same time, this is the only path I saw for myself. My dreams and aspirations were so bright, there was no other option.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylonblackviolinist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaylonblackviolinist
- Twitter: https://x.com/JaylonBlack
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaylonblackviolinist3105
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaylonblackvlnst?lang=en
