Ever since Taryn Williamson was three years old, she has been performing.
“I was always just singing in front of my family,” Williamson said. “I would ask them to turn out the lights so I could do a little dance or sing.”
Williamson’s father, a hip-hop music producer in Colorado Springs, exposed her to music early. By age 11, she was recording her own songs using her dad’s equipment.
“It’s just kind of been around me most of my life,” she said.
As a 2024-2025 JustArts Fellow, Williamson is launching “Fit to Perform” in the new year, a project promoting inclusivity and body positivity in the arts, in the new year. But let’s get back to Taryn’s story.
Her Love of Music
“It’s when I feel most like myself,” Williamson said. “I really feel that I can reach people more when I’m on a stage.”
Williamson writes her own songs, drawing inspiration from bands like The Killers and their lead singer, Brandon Flowers.
“I love seeing their behind-the-scenes stuff, like how they make their music. They use the same program that I do, so it’s very cool,” she said.
Music, for Williamson, is more than a passion; it’s a form of therapy. She believes the arts offer a powerful way for anyone to express themselves.
“I think every single person can do something artistic, at home or in whatever capacity, and it’s just so therapeutic,” she said.
Williamson expresses herself, in part, by performing with local bands and sings gospel at her church. Faith plays a significant role in her artistic journey.
“When I get to sing at church, there’s a totally different energy than when you’re singing at school or for a performance,” she said.
Not Just a Musician
In 2018, Williamson created a documentary chronicling her mental health journey through weight loss. The film has amassed nearly 900,000 views on YouTube.
“It just kind of kept organically getting shared, and then I had people reaching out to me a lot,” she said.
The documentary’s success led Williamson to become a health coach, creating meal plans for clients. However, during the pandemic, she gained the weight back, an experience that taught her a valuable lesson about self-worth.
“You don’t necessarily become happier from the weight loss. The happiness is from within,” Williamson said.
Returning to School
After graduating high school, Williamson worked in an investment firm while creating music on the side. However, she found the financial services industry unfulfilling.
“It was great in a lot of ways, but it was not me at all,” she said.
Determined to pursue her passions, Williamson enrolled at Pima Community College, initially as a nutrition major. After one semester, she realized it wasn’t the right fit.
“It took me the first semester to realize that that wasn’t what I wanted to do either,” she said.
Friend Chris Zatarain, another member of the JustArts cohort, inspired her to audition for the University of Arizona’s music program.
“Me going to school for music specifically was very much because of Chris,” she said. “I saw how he was doing and all the opportunities that opened up for him.”
At the University of Arizona, Williamson declared a double major in music at the School of Music and live and screened performance at the School of Theatre, Film & Television, a degree program that blends her interests in writing, film, and acting.
“It kind of incorporated everything I wanted to do,” she said.
Fit to Perform
In addition to her studies, Williamson is a 2024-2025 JustArts Fellow. The fellowship offers Williamson the chance to create meaningful change in the arts community.
“Maybe they’ll implement more changes because we are actually being listened to,” she said.
Williamson’s project, “Fit to Perform,” aims to create an inclusive space for performers of all body types.
“It was born out of frustration from not being able to perform much around town,” she said, explaining that there have been times where her size was an issue performing with some bands.
“I really want to encourage other women and men. I want people to figure out how they can take up space and just be confident in performing.
Through workshops and guest speakers, “Fit to Perform” addresses body positivity, self-expression, and writing with elements of theatre, music, and writing. Williamson will perform. Guest speakers include School of Theatre, Film & Television instructor Roweena Mackay, Arizona Theatre Company member Gretchen Wirges and TFTV Associate Professor Elaine Romero.
Fit to Perform
Feb. 8, 3-6p
Historic Y Courtyard
Sign Up to Perform
“It’s going to be a networking event; just something for people to get expressive,” she said.
Williamson hopes “Fit to Perform” will evolve into a campus club, fostering positive change around societal views of body types in the arts.
Looking Ahead
In 10 years, Williamson envisions a career that integrates her diverse talents.
“I just want to incorporate all these different skills with whatever I’m doing,” she said.
With a passion for music, film, and writing, the multifaceted Williamson is well on her way to making her mark as a force to be reckoned with. She believes pursuing a degree offers more than just academic knowledge.
“A degree gives you networking opportunities, experience, and the chance to meet new people,” she said. “It’s worth taking a risk on.”