Meet Zoe Johnson | Violinist – Original Artist & Private Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zoe Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zoe, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a born and bred Tennessean from Memphis. I believe there is a special blessing to be raised in the U.S. South. There is a sense of community, class and culture that southerners are immersed within these states that stands apart from the other regions of the country. Memphis, in particular, is a city of rich history. It is important to the past musically, spiritually, and especially racially. As a young black woman, in particular, being from Memphis has many different connotations. There is an idea of who I should have grown up to be. There is a certain culture of the city that I would have been expected to carry. I struggled with identity as a child, but I now know that I am the only one that create my own persona. Now, as a confident, young woman, I can stand in my identity and beliefs while carrying the hopes of my city. The negative perceptions that the outside world have of Memphis is the drive I have to show something different, and I represent the good and faith of the city. In the South, our area is referred to as the Bible Belt, because churches are at every corner. I was blessed to come from a solid background. My beliefs and values are what keep me at Memphis to reach the next generation. It is why I create the kind of music I have now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a violinist. With that comes many jobs. I play at multiple events such as church events, services, parties, private events, weddings, restaurants, etc. When I am not doing that, I am a private teacher at the local music store. I also teach a group of students orchestra in an after school program in West Memphis, Arkansas. It is under the program of a nonprofit organization called Harmonic South Strings Organization. My newest job is being an original artist. I currently have made two, original songs, and one is out now on all music streaming platforms. The music video to the song is now on my YouTube channel. The song is called “Dawn.” The key is to keep the passion going and live by a purpose. Admittedly, when I was in college, I did not have a sense of direction. I thought my only chance of banking off my degree was to practice hard and get into a decent orchestra. When I am not doing that, I would find ways to have consistent gigs to bring in consistent money. At the time, I was not interested in teaching. I also did not think I had the talent, resources, and patience to create my original music. I did not think I could even arrange anything. Fortunately, my music classes gave me plenty of practice for that. I had to dig deep for originality. I knew that I had a voice to be heard, so I kept looking for it, and I believe I have it now. The songs I put out in the future may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is from my journey. It is my story. It is thoughtful and original.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Memphis is divided into many sections or towns. I am from the Collierville area. I can tell you my favorite spots in the city! For your week long trip, it is best to get downtown first. It can get very busy and crowded. Beale Street is best to visit during the daylight till around dusk. I personally love to go Downtown to go to the Tom Lee Park. It is a park that is right by the river, and it has the most beautiful scenery. I would definitely recommend visiting the Pyramid. I admit it is an attraction for people who love outdoor activities. That is because it is a giant Bass Pro Shop. However, it makes for breathtaking scenery. Plus, there is an elevator that takes you up to the tip of the Pyramid to see the most amazing view of downtown for $10. For breakfast, I would go to Staks or Big Bad Breakfast. For exercise or more fresh air, I love to go to the Shelby Farms Park. It is a large piece of land that is perfect for jogging, bike-riding, dog walking, and other activities such as these. They also have activities such as archery, axe throwing, and rafting. For lunch, Midtown is the perfect area. It has many restaurants, an amazing ice cream parlor that sells copious amounts of sweets, and live music. There is the amazing new place that is tones of fun called Amuse The Adventure Museum! It is like an active arcade. Instead of pressing buttons, you are actually in the game. It is perfect for all ages, but the games are challenging in physical and mental ways. It is pricey, but it is totally worth it. i am recommending places that are authentically from Memphis. There are plenty of arcades and places for fun to go in Memphis, but these other places can be found all around the country. My favorite Memphis restaurants to go to dinner are Central BBQ, Mahogany, and The Four Way. There are also many educational sights to visit such as the Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum, the Orphuem, and the Canon Center, Of course, there is always Graceland.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Most High God is why I am successful. He is my light and my path. With Him, I have the strength and courage to carry out my purpose. I am so grateful that He saw fit to bore me into a loving and supporting village. My mother and father are the greatest! When I started violin in the 6th grade, they supported all of my endeavors. They were at every concert; they were adamant on my practicing. They got me into extracurricular activities that involved music. They were there for comfort during my failures. They are the ones that encouraged me to go to college for music. My older brother, Malik, is a blessing to my life. Due to our age difference, I always tell people I have always felt like I was raised by three people instead of two. I was able to look up to him in a positive way, and he paved an example of what a young adult of integrity and passion represents. He is also an artist himself, so his advice and coaching is vital to me as a new artist. I would also like to shoutout my paternal grandmother. She is also so supportive of my achievements as a violinist, and she is the rock of our family. I would also like to thank my first church, Breath of Life Christian Center and the music department of Austin Peay State University. I would like to thank Britta Hall, my first violin teacher and middle school orchestra director. I would also like to thank Sherry Fuller, who was my high school orchestra director. I would like to thank the APSU Chi Alpha chapter and the Kroger’s in Collierville, Tennessee. I can go on, but these are the top examples of how God has blessed me with a great community.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avidviolin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100022583527747

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@avidviolinzoe?si=igsJCpClfc9uPYPM

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/avidviolin

Image Credits
Nicole Johnson, Malik Johnson, Elizabeth Vander Veen