Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Siobhan Cassidy Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Siobhan Cassidy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started playing cello in 5th grade, and the rest is history!

It took me a couple of years to get serious about learning and practicing, but once I did, I was so competitive and that’s what really accelerated my skills. By the time I was in 8th grade, I made the region orchestra, which is audition based, and throughout high school I knew it had to be a part of my life forever. Cello was just the first step.

I definitely would’ve started taking private lessons the minute I became serious. As a private lesson teacher, having extra attention can really hone the skill and practice things you otherwsie wouldn’t learn until later. I didn’t start taking lessons with a consistent teacher until sophomore year, but by then I only had two years left of school. I can only imagine what I would’ve sounded like by freshman year had I had a private lesson teacher (consistently) in 7th grade into my later years. I also discovered my love for composing, and by sophomore year I decided to be a film composer, and I’ve been chasing that dream since!

I know for a fact you have to have a genuine love for what it is that you’re doing, especially as a creative. Passion is what fuels success, in my opinion, because when you TRULY love something deeply as much as I do creating and playing music, nothing can make you quit. Because what else is there to do if you can’t do what you love???

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a classically trained cellist and composer. Which means I need to use sheet music in order to play HAHA just kidding. My work and training is based around writing to sheet music, picture, and performing ancient works of long passed composers to the modern ones of today.

Currently, I compose for people’s short films, videos, and I am writing the music for a stage production premiering this summer. I also teach lessons and cello classes in addition to performing locally in special events. The most fun I have is playing in an orchestra called the Mansfield Philharmonic here in Texas!

Not only am I proud of my overall skills and hard work as a musician, but I have so much pride in the students I teach. They are just AMAZING and I would definitely go as far to say that some of them are better cellists than me at their age. I could brag about them for ages. They impress me so much and I can’t believe the level of difficulty some of them pursue. And with me being so young, they could easily go off and get taught by someone with 20+ more years of cello playing. They definitely challenge me with some of the things they learn and I’m just impressed by their tenacity. There’s nothing better than sharing your passion with someone younger than you, and they follow in your footsteps. I really would like to be the teacher they graduate with.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Pursuing a film/ tv composer profession in Texas is by far the HARDEST thing I’ve ever had to do. It still is. There were definitely periods of time I’d be crying in my car, unhappy with the lack of gigs or progress. I frequently think about quitting, but I am so in love with my dream and the future of what I can be, it feels like a child I’m not willing to abandon. And I love children! This is my child.

I’m also a huge believer in my faith. And all I know to do is to keep believing and working and one day it will pay off. Even if not the way I want, I will still be happy if I can have my creative outlet. I truly believe this is what I’m meant to be doing. I was created to CREATE. This mind makes up songs, ideas, stories. If I can’t do this what else is there? That’s a big part of why I keep striving for what I want. I don’t feel there is any alternative for me. Cassidy was placed on this earth to create music and play cello amongst other things!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being creative is a career. Sure it may not be lucrative up front, but we go through the same journey most people go through working a 9-5. The “layout” is just different. We prepare in high school, go to college, take exams, and graduate in a few years. Only difference is some of us don’t get to work in our field immediately after graduating. We either have to work waiting tables, retail, or in my case, teaching lessons. The line to promotion is not the same either; we’re looking for that one gig that will just set us up and have people keep calling us. That’s a journey of patience within itself. But once we’re there, we’re there, and in some cases, the payout is HUGE (literally)

Another thing is people don’t pursue their creative passions because it’s a hobby they really like to do. It literally becomes our job. Use your own discernment and pick your challenges in life, but to say that a creative career isn’t realistic is not entirely true. Like I said, passion and having a genuine love is what’s going to keep you going. This is the baby you can’t abandon. Yes, everyone has their own journey of difficulty and you can switch gears anytime, but some things are worth the shot!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.casscomposes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casscomposes/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-cassidy-robinson-472029100/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Coversbycass

Image Credits
Peter Liu, Lawrence Jenkins