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Randall Goosby is bringing classical music to a wider audience. His debut album “Roots” released in 2021, pays homage to black composers and performers. Goosby was born in San Diego, California. His mother is Korean, and his father is African American. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a masters degree in music from Julliard School. When reflecting on his career as a classical violinist, he suggests a desire to foster a more diverse audience for classical music. He regularly participates in outreach efforts in urban school settings, community centers, and hospitals. 

Goosby has studied with and been mentored by renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. He has performed at iconic venues such as Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall. Currently, he is performing on a loaned 1735 Sennhauser Guarneri del Gesu violin. His new album, “Roots” was released by Decca Classics in 2021. Goosby views the album’s release as a way to amplify and honor black composers and entertainers whose music was not widely recognized during their lifetimes. The album features the work of composers such as William Grant Still, Florence Price, and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson. The album also features works from individuals inspired by African American culture, such as George Gershwin and Antonin Dvorak.

Goosby started playing the violin at age 7. His skill development advanced quickly. He made his orchestra debut with the Jacksonville Symphony at age 9. Goosby was recommended to the Ihtzak Perlman Music Program, a summer camp and Juilliard Pre-College Weekend Program on Shetler Island, NY, before moving to New York and attending the conservatory full time. At age 13, Goosby won first prize in the Junior Division of the Sphinx Competition, a musical competition held in Detroit, MI, for Black and Latinx string players. He also placed first in the Young Concert Artist Audition which allowed him to secure management contracts and recitals in New York and Washington DC. In addition to the mentorship and teaching of Ihtzak Pearlman, Goosby has also been mentored by African American violinist Sanford Allen. Allen was the first black member of the New York Philharmonic. 

Goosby acknowledges that he faced some discrimination and racism. Still, he is largely optimistic and committed bringing classical movement to a wider audience. 

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