We’re back with another Member Spotlight! This series features one member from our community each month to share their inspiring story so we can learn more about them and their contributions to the industry.

This month we spoke with Los Angeles based pianist and composer, Victoria Theodore, who has accompanied some of the greatest musicians of all time. This is one story you won’t want to miss!

Hey Victoria, thank you for taking the time to join us in this month's Member Spotlight. Can you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m thrilled to join you in this fabulous series. I’m a pianist and composer based in Los Angeles. Throughout my years in the industry, I’ve had the pleasure to work on some really incredible projects. To share a few, I’ve composed and arranged a new musical, MARIAN, “America the Beautiful” (Super Bowl 2019), and the NFL 2020 “National Anthem.” I was the Music Director for Playbill’s Women in Theatre, The Donna Summer Musical, and the new musical, Still Ready. I’ve also toured with icons Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and more! I was the pianist for Oscar Winning Film CODA, Oscar Nominated Film Tick Tick Boom, Stevie Wonder's "Live At Last" DVD, Oscar Winning Documentary "Twenty Feet From Stardom", and Arsenio Hall Show. More than anything, I’m a musician at heart and also part of a band, EnSPirits - an alternative Jazz /R&B project with multi-hyphenate artist Dave Tweedie.

Wow! You have such rich experience in the industry and we’d love to know where all of this came from. When did you first know you wanted to be involved with music?

When I was 12 years old, I saw classical pianist Andre Watts perform. In that moment, I knew that I wanted to be a pianist. My life's goal is to bring light and love into the world through music and by being a good person. I invite everyone to join me! We can make the world a better place.

Your life's mission is truly inspiring! You mentioned going on tour with Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé. What was your touring experience like? Do you have a favorite memory?

Touring with two of the greatest artists of all time was magical. Both Stevie and Beyoncé are exceptionally hard working artists, who model a level of dedication to excellence and love of craft that is truly inspiring. I loved every minute of being in the presence of that kind of musical greatness. A favorite memory with Stevie Wonder was the honor of accompanying him and Tony Bennett on the piano at Madison Square Garden. Whenever I played Halo with Beyoncé in stadiums on the Formation Tour, the song started with just me and her. It’s a priceless experience I’ll cherish forever. What a voice! Not only am I a fan of both of these artists, but I’m humbled by the opportunity to have had them both trust me as an accompanist. The bond between singer and accompanist is strong and beautiful. I love them both, and they will both always live in my heart.

As you’ve probably experienced, the industry is evolving quite rapidly these days. When you think about the future of the industry, what are you hoping for?

I hope that mainstream audiences become interested in melody again and that music is put back into schools so young people have the ability to put their hands on an instrument. It's life-changing.

We absolutely agree with that! There’s something really special about connecting with music in a tangible way. Do you have any advice for anyone looking to build a career in the industry?

Practice. Network. Stay humble. Accept that it's a journey and decide to be a life-long learner. Be kind. Be early. Know your work and your worth: always be prepared to perform, or to leave if the environment is toxic.

Those are some true words of wisdom! We really appreciate all the support you’ve shown for Bandsintown. Is there a feature you find most useful on Bandsintown for Artists?

I enjoy the direct connection to both the fans and other artists. The Bandsintown platform helps to build community, which is so crucial to an artist’s career. I’ve been able to communicate directly with the community, share music, and offer feedback. We artists need the fans and we need each other.

We can’t thank you enough for taking the time to share your story with our community, Victoria! Is there a specific project or anything the community can support you with at this time?

My musical, MARIAN, is on the way! My band, EnSPirits will be releasing our first project very soon. Please follow both projects.

To connect further with Victoria directly, you can find her in the Bandsintown Artist Community or through the links below.

Website - http://victoriatheodore.com/ 

Bandsintown - https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1321736-victoria-theodore 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/victoriatheodoremusic/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriatheodore/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/VictoriaTheo 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaTheodoreMusic

Next month we’ll be back with another story from the community. Until then, keep creating and inspiring those around you!