We recently connected with Christie Becker and have shared our conversation below.

Christie, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I began training in the violin earlier than most of my peers. When I was 5 years old I was watching a VHS tape where the various string instruments were being demonstrated, and I was immediately captivated by the violin. I told my parents I wanted to play the violin, and they cautiously supported my interest, getting me a half-size rental and lessons. My first teacher focused heavily on ear training and neglected reading music and technique, so my parents sought a new instructor through local music organizations. They found an excellent teacher who shaped my musical abilities over nearly ten years. Her teaching style resonated with me, engaging my mathematical mind, physical coordination, and language skills. She even encouraged me to expand my musical skills by learning piano and guitar. However, my true passion remained with the violin. It was the instrument that held my focus throughout my childhood.
As I progressed, I received a family heirloom—my great-great-great-uncle’s violin played in St. Louis. This gift revealed the musical roots within my family and fueled my excitement to continue my musical journey.
In high school, I discovered a passion for drama and theatre, particularly production. I even arranged and played the music for the stage show You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, expanding my musical horizons. These experiences we supplemented by my participation in local youth symphonies, where I had opportunities to arrange music for various small ensembles and participate in community outreach.
When it was time for college, I faced a tough decision about which path to take. Aptitude tests left me feeling disheartened, as many career paths didn’t interest me. However, my passion for the arts remained strong. I applied to the University of Washington and Central Washington University, but ultimately chose CWU for its renowned string department and my connection to the faculty.
After graduating in 2011, I worked various jobs while searching for my next steps. In 2015, I moved to the Olympic Peninsula and auditioned for the Bremerton Westsound Symphony. Over time, I worked my way up to Concertmaster, solidifying my belief that I was on the right path. I found a sense of fulfillment in using my skills to lead, organize, and collaborate with my peers.
Still maintaining a day job, I expanded my performances to include stage shows such as Beauty and the Beast, The Secret Garden, The Nutcracker Ballet, and Pirates of Penzance. These productions blended my love for theatre and music, inspiring me to pursue playing music full-time. In the summer of 2018, I took the leap and began advertising myself as a full-time musician, gradually building my brand.
Today, I combine my love for production and song arrangements with the wedding scene, creating soundtracks that support and enhance celebrations. My passion for music is closely linked to my purpose of enriching milestones and events. While I couldn’t have known at five years old that I would pursue music professionally, it feels as though I was following a path guided by genetics and my deep connection to the violin. Through this journey, I’ve found a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the beauty of life’s special moments.

Christie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I specialize in crafting unique and bespoke musical experiences for weddings and events. By immersing myself in your personal story, styles, and preferences, I create custom song arrangements that enhance your special moments. From the song that played on your first date to setting the perfect ambiance for your guests, I use the power of music to bring your love story to life on your wedding day. I enjoy creating surprise and delight moments for those you love the most and creating an immersive and cohesive experience from beginning to end.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the summer of 2018, I launched Christie Becker Violin, LLC, and quickly gained recognition with two “Best-of” awards by 2020. My brand reputation soared as I collaborated with renowned companies like Dom Perignon and Microsoft. However, when COVID-19 struck in March 2020, everything came to a sudden halt. My ability to perform at events was severely impacted due to gathering restrictions.

Seeing an opportunity amidst the challenges, I pivoted to offer smaller, more tailored packages for my clients. Many couples were seeking new and unique experiences like destination elopements and intimate outdoor celebrations that adhered to new regulations. I adapted by investing in battery-powered speakers and rain-covers to ensure I could perform in [nearly] any weather or location.

This pivot led me to breathtaking destinations such as Artist’s Point in the Northern Cascades at sunrise, Ruby Beach for a moody, misty elopement, and Smith Rock in Oregon for a medieval-inspired micro wedding. These intimate experiences continue to be highly sought after and have become a memorable part of my work.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media can be a complex, ever-evolving platform to navigate. For me, the challenge was figuring out what would provide value to my audience and creating content around that. Establishing a structured posting schedule, such as “Testimonial Tuesday” or “Blog Post Wednesday,” helped me stay consistent and focused. These themes allowed me to boost my SEO through blog posts on my website and share them on my social channels, directing traffic to my site.

I’ve received numerous glowing reviews, but striking a balance between sharing them and not appearing boastful was tricky. Using a structured schedule helped me manage my content and keep it diverse, fresh, and engaging for my audience.

Incorporating YouTube videos and music releases alongside my Instagram and Facebook accounts has been a game-changer. Different audiences engage with me on different platforms, so cross-posting ensures that everyone can benefit from my content.

For those just starting out, my advice is to create a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Mix up your content types to keep things interesting and cater to different audience preferences across platforms. Consistency and variety are key to building and retaining a strong social media presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christiebeckerviolin.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/christiebeckerviolin
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/christiebeckerviolin
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@christiebeckerviolin

Image Credits
Turistaa Studios Amber French Balerina Films Into Dust Photography Allison Harp Taylor Ochoa