Local teen pianist set to record second music video
A southeast Idaho teen is making a name for himself in east Idaho with his musical talents. James Farmer, 15, has been playing the piano for years. His love of the instrument is evident in his success.
“I’ve been playing the piano for about nine years now,” said Farmer.
Farmer began taking piano lessons at age six and participated in his first recital three months later, where he performed a song from “Phantom of the Opera.” James knew he wanted to go bigger, so he started writing his own music at age 11. To date, he has written eight songs.
“Some jazz here. Some classical here. Some rock here. Some new age here,” Farmer said describing his music. “The more styles of music I listen to, the more unique my compositions are going to be.”
Farmer’s motivation for performing and writing come from his idol, award-winning pianist William Joseph.
“I was just so amazed by his compositions that I was just sitting there, I was 11 years old and I was looking at him and I said ‘that is what I want to do someday’,” said Farmer.
Farmer had the opportunity to perform on stage with Joseph after Joseph took Farmer under his wing and provided the up-and-coming star with piano lessons via Skype for two years.
“I learned so much from him,” said Farmer. “I learned so many little tricks and how to write melodies and, he’s definitely a crucial part in me becoming the composer I am today.”
In addition to his success writing music and performing on stage with Joseph, Farmer has his own album and has signed a deal with Ark Studio Media Group out Utah. The company has already recorded one music video for Farmer’s original piece “Enchanted”. The company plans to shoot a second music video with Farmer on Thursday.
“I love performing my own music,” the teen musician said. “Just every time, I get this chill down my back and it’s like, I created this and I can do whatever I want with it. It is mine.”
Farmer also had produced one CD with his original pieces, he has one song on iTunes and hopes to add more. To hear more of Farmer’s music, visit his YouTube channel.
