Thanks for listening. And remember to smile and think positively!
Email jhthompson27@gmail.com if you would like a copy of the Heartbreak CD.
FROM THE ARTIST:
I have had a mental illness since 2004 and have been a local musician here in Dallas since 2006. My mental illness is schizoaffective disorder as well as bipolar disorder and I take medications for it. I have also been a caregiver for eight years as well as a certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.) since 2015. I have an Associate of Science with a major in nutrition and a minor in Spanish, from Collin College and graduated magna cum laude in 2012. I have also attended TCU, which is my home school, UT Austin, UTD here in Dallas, and TWU out in Denton.
When I am well I play music, work with a client, and attend a myriad of support groups here in Dallas. I like to play guitar and piano and can play a small bongo as well as sing. I also teach piano and guitar lessons. I have been classically trained on the piano since I was 7, and I have taken guitar lessons when I was 15, and again when I was 22. I have also been vocally trained.
I have 2 CDs of original compositions of keyboard and vocals, one called “Music Box” from when I was 17, and another called “Heartbreak” from when I was 21. I am considering developing another cd with both guitar and keyboard.
My mental illness has been a struggle in my life but it has also opened doors. I have attended many different support groups, such as NAMI, MHA, DBSA, Prelude Clubhouse in Plano, and PLAN@1121 Rock. I also began a support group with my mom in 2012 called “A Better Way” for healthier lifestyles while dealing with a mental health disorder.
I have played at Potbelly’s in 2006, Banters in Denton in 2007, for one of my churches, Prince of Peace’s talent revues (3 different years), Half-Price Books through ATTA (Achievement through the Arts) through MHA (MentalHealth of America), for Coffee House Cafe beginning in 2013-2017 and still am wanting to play there, Saltlight in Allen, Denton County Brewing Company, and numerous other performances such as for some of my mental health support groups. I also have started playing music for the senior citizens community by playing for them on my guitar and piano at daycare centers and nursing homes.
I hope my music on my website inspires and lifts you up. It is meant to be filled with love and hope and success, but also the trials of having a broken heart. In addition, I play cover songs from artists such as Green Day, Jane’s Addiction, Simon and Garfunkel, and Oasis on the guitar, and The Eagles, Train, The Decemberists, and Tears for Fears on the keyboard.
I grew up playing with friends and learning how to play new songs on the guitar. I love listening to the radio to hear new songs to learn how to play. Some of my favorite stations are 97.1 The Eagle and 91.7 KXT.
In the future, I might create a new website to offer up my artistic talents such as paintings and drawings and greeting cards.
Thanks for listening. And remember to smile and think positively!
Sincerely,
Justine Thompson
