Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarin Cole.
Hi Jarin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am Jarin Cole, also known as JC Stringz. I am a 21-year-old violinist and guitarist from Killeen, Texas. I began playing guitar when I was 8, the violin at the age of 10, and the piano at the age of 12. Some of the greatest in the business have influenced me, ranging from BB King to Bach. I am a huge fan of Lenny Kravitz, Gary Clark Jr, and the late Jimi Hendrix. I have shared the stage with two-time Emmy award-winning NAACP Image Award Nominee and Billboards chart-topping artist, violinist Damien Escobar.
I am also a featured artist on the Grammy Award-nominated artist Saul Paul’s song “Rise” on the album Be the Change. I have taken lessons from some of the best in the business, including my first guitar teacher Paul Miceli, violinists James Clarkson and Kaitlin Rightler, and the fantastic instructors at the Austin School of Rock. I am a Greater Vision Community Church member and have been a church band member since I was 10. I became a full-time member of the band at the age of 12. The church is where I played most, and I was able to sharpen my skills. I played violin and guitar in elementary, middle, and high school. Playing guitar and violin has taken me to California, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and Missouri. I have played in well-known Austin venues like the Skylark Lounge and Antone’s. I was scheduled to be a featured artist for SXSW 2020 but was canceled due to COVID.
I believe in community service. I use my gift of music to help others. I have sponsored a fundraiser to support a high school friend severely injured in a car accident our senior year. I have raised money for cancer patients. I once donated funds to the local food bank. I also bought sleeping bags for the unhoused community in my city.
All of these fundraising events were funded from my tips. I attended Temple College in Temple, Texas, for the first two years of college. I graduated with an Associate in Music. I am a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I want to continue sharing my gift and making people smile.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
One of the obstacles I have faced is the fear of singing. I sing, but not as much as I want to. I need to build my confidence in that area. I get compliments when I sing, but I must build myself up. I am writing songs and working on facing this fear.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a blues and jazz instrumentalist. I have yet to release any music. I am working on some music right now. I want to release music with all of the music elements you will enjoy. It will be easy to listen to but also give you peace.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
My parents, who is handling my bookings while I’m away at college, Darron and Tina Cole, support my music dreams. They travel wherever I go and make sure I am taken care of. You can find me on Facebook at JCStringz and on Instagram @mrjcstringz23.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrjcstringz23?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcstringz23?mibextid=LQQJ4d
