THE STORY

What would you do if everything you worked for was suddenly taken away?

I started my career in classical music as the principal flutist of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in 2019. Winning this prestigious position was a dream come true, a testament to years of dedication and sacrifice.

Then in 2020, everything turned upside down.

The pandemic's horror and the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery shook the world. For me, the turmoil hit even closer to home when my house was burglarized while I was away. All my valuables, including my cherished instruments, my bike, and even the food in my fridge, were stolen. This devastating event rocked me to my core.

In the midst of this chaos, I found solace and support in my Memphis community and beyond. With time to reflect, I pondered deeply about my late grandfather, L. Alex Wilson, a journalist who bravely reported on pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Little Rock 9, and the lynching of Emmett Till. His legacy of courage and resilience became a guiding light for me.

One day, a profound realization struck me: I mystically ended up in Memphis during the modern Civil Rights Movement after my grandfather was there during the original one. This epiphany changed my life's course. 

I understood that, just as my grandfather used his pen to change the world, I was destined to use my flute.

I took my last orchestral audition for the principal flute position in the St. Louis Symphony. Although I didn't win, I made it to the final round which was a significant achievement. I would have succeeded one of the great American flutists in the position and received a comfortable six-figure salary.

After the audition, a panel member offered me advice that was more valuable than the job itself: "Adam, you played beautifully and moved the entire panel. I’m sorry it didn’t work out. All you really need to do now is learn how to be yourself."

Be yourself. Hearing those words in a musical context, where I thought I was COMPLETELY myself, moved me deeply. Wasn’t I being myself? If not in music, where I felt most at home, then where?

The next morning, a sunrise walk across the Mississippi River brought enormous clarity: I had never truly chosen my path but followed those laid out before me. Though I loved my orchestra career and all that led up to it, I realized that I had a much deeper level of freedom to explore. 

This realization led me to resign from the Memphis Symphony, and I was no longer interested in full-time orchestra positions. The institutional trauma within orchestras perpetuates issues that I struggled with: imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, stereotype threat, and poor mental health.

Now, I have a new mission: eviscerating institutional trauma in classical music.

I've since given a residency at the Eastman School of Music, performed a recital at Merkin Hall honoring L. Alex Wilson, been named to the Washington Post's 23 for '23, and recognized as Music for Autism's 2024 Spotlight Artist. There is a lot more to come too.

By choosing my direction and staying true to my values of compassion, joy, and justice, I’m making a greater impact than ever before, achieving financial stability, and most importantly, finding sincere happiness.

I'm finding success through developing faith in myself and deepening my purpose. 

Are you ready to deepen your purpose? I’m here to help.