Rising Stars: Meet Rayah Thomas of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rayah Thomas

Hi Rayah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Allentown Pennsylvania, my family moved to the Triangle in 2013. As a kid, I had very big dreams I had plans to “be the first to develop time travel!” or to become some sort of racecar driver or robotics engineer. My parents have always been very supportive of my dreams, I spent a lot of time trying everything, drawing, fencing, karting, filmmaking, writing… etc. The list goes on. Hilariously enough I wouldn’t have ever imagined “musician” for myself. I have always been searching for some sort of clarity through what I do; clarity of expression, and to find something I deeply connect with. Music is something I stumbled into by happenstance but it has been very fulfilling to me so far, I love being able to articulate myself with more than just words. I graduated high school in 2024 and I am currently a jazz performance student at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute in Baltimore.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Striving to learn and perform music at a high level has come with many challenges. I think the biggest challenge for me has been learning how to accept vulnerability and imperfection as requirements for growth. During high school, I struggled with performance anxiety and at times it prevented me from taking opportunities and putting myself out there. I often have only been able to hear what I do “wrong” and that is something I’m still trying to grow out of even today. Music school has opened a huge door of potential for me, but of course, with every opportunity comes its challenges. So far I’ve learned a lot about life and music alike and I’m very grateful for that, as well as the amazing mentors, musicians, and friends I have met along the way.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a freelance jazz bassist, I mostly work now as a side-woman and full-time student. I wouldn’t confine myself to any subgenre, I just love playing and making music! This past year I have been fortunate enough to play in The Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra directed by Dr. Gregg Gelb, (a big band based in Sanford that performs across NC) as well as touring South Africa with Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz ensemble led by Sean Jones. I have had the honor of performing in smaller groups alongside artists such as Sharel Cassity, Chris Lewis, Alexa Tarantino, Shana Tucker, Christian Tamburr, Colleen Clark, and many others. I also frequently play duo with my sister Tori who is a flutist. I am eternally grateful to spend so much time doing what I love and learning from such great people. I have some exciting upcoming plans & projects so do keep an eye out!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I began playing jazz a little over a year after the lockdown, I used to practice in a little closet in our basement. Following the lockdown, my parents decided to just enroll me in online school so I completed the entirety of high school online. The resulting solitude helped me grow a lot but also taught me how to get into my own head. The main thing that has helped me progress as a musician is learning to take care of myself and always strive to improve my mentality. Mentality is everything! Learning to be confident in both my strengths and shortcomings has been pivotal for me, as well as viewing every challenge as an opportunity to grow. This past year in particular I experienced an intense burnout. This has taught me how to pace myself and improve in a way that encourages health and longevity. I can consider myself nothing less than thankful for every experience I have encountered as a musician, both the ups and the downs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rayahthomas.portfoliobox.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayah.thomas/