Interview With Multi-Talented Syreeta Thompson
We are sharing here our recent interview with multi talented artist Syreeta Thompson.
Twist Online: First of all tell us about the start of your music career? :
Syreeta Thompson: My music career very early at the nine years old. I started playing the clarinet and I couldn’t get past a certain note loll! So, then I picked up the trumpet and LOVED the way I could change the sound of the horn. I noticed at an early age that trumpet has many emotions. I could actually make the trumpet sound “sad” or “happy” it then became a matter of exploring the development of those sounds through practicing. My mom told me she wasn’t going to keep buying instruments loll! So, I was serious about playing the trumpet I had to take my instrument to church EVERY Sunday. I began to take my trumpet to church and try to play but I only knew “ONE” note! So, that sounded really bad! Loll! After church I would try to play songs I heard on the radio. That sounded Bad as well! Loll! I began playing in middle school concert band, high school jazz band and orchestra. I realized I wasn’t very good in math and science so music became my passion. My mother enrolled me into private lessons at Sherwood Conservatory; Chicago, IL there I studied classical trumpet.
Twist Online: Who or what inspired you as an artist growing up?
Syreeta Thompson: As an artist the first trumpet player I heard was Lee Morgan playing with Art Blakey and the Jazz messengers. I was hooked. My late father was a HUGE jazz enthusiast and most of my family members are musically inclined.
Twist Online: Tell us about your recent release “Winner”?
Syreeta Thompson: Winner is a body of work the is comprised of singing, trumpet playing, grooves, lyrical speaking which encompasses arts education. I wanted to record a body of work to help inspire the next generation through music. My over all goals are to inspire the next generation and individuals to go after their dreams without hesitation. Also, believe in your dreams, don’t stop and don’t quit no matter what the obstacle.
Twist Online: What kind of response your Album is receiving?
Syreeta Thompson: Amazingly the response had EXTREMELY well. The blogging community and the Arts Education community have really embraced this non-traditional body of work. The sales are going very well and I’m very thankful and grateful for all of the support.
Twist Online: You are so powerful trumpeter that you are known as Trumpet Lady. How did you develop so much skill in it?
Syreeta Thompson: My skills have developed over the years of practicing at least four to six hours of day. Lately, I normally practice at least two hours per day reviewing scales, long tones and technique. I also exercise five days per week. I run three to four miles twice per week and quite a bit of toning.
Twist Online: As an artist how much improvement Graduation in Music and then masters degree has brought into you?
Syreeta Thompson: My masters’ degree is in Jazz composition and arranging. While recording this record I was able to incorporate my arranging skills. Most times I’m not aware that I’m utilizing learned skills because it comes natural for me.
Twist Online: What is the biggest achievement in your career so far?
Syreeta Thompson: I would say my two biggest achievements thus far would be hosting a invitation cd release party at New Jersey Performing Arts Center; one of the premier music institutions on the east coast. Also, being a billboard-charting artist.
Twist Online: You have shared the stage with so many renowned artists. Any artist you would like to work with?
Syreeta Thompson: I would love to work with Alicia Keys, Neyo, Pharrell, Michael Buble, David Foster and John Legend. That would be a dream come true. I’m in awe of the natural creative flow for music.
Twist Online: Are you working on any new projects?
Syreeta Thompson: I’m actually on tour visiting schools, colleges sharing the Winner Release. Also, I’m preparing a Music Wonderland give back to kids for the holidays.
