June 2, 2025
Four Questions For...
Bassist Xavier Foley
Tell us a little bit about what you’re playing in your Spotlight Series recital.
This is my first concert after taking a break for almost a year! I’m playing Bach’s Cello Suite No. 5 and the rest of the music is my original works. I love to play my own works and to combine different styles together. Some people call it fusion, but it is what it is.
What’s your routine like on concert days?
I like to sleep eight hours the night before a concert, so my mind is fresh. I try not to play too much and practice too much because I’ll get too tired—when I have the concert I’ll have mental fatigue, which is never good. So, maximum one hour; no more, maybe a little less.
What inspired you to pursue a career in classical music? Who are some artists and teachers who have inspired you?
I started music because as a kid I had a hard time expressing my feelings through words. But I found that when I played the bass I could communicate something deep inside that I was never able to do with words. And so that’s why I stuck with it.
Story continues below...
This is my first concert after taking a break for almost a year! I’m playing Bach’s Cello Suite No. 5 and the rest of the music is my original works. I love to play my own works and to combine different styles together. Some people call it fusion, but it is what it is.
What’s your routine like on concert days?
I like to sleep eight hours the night before a concert, so my mind is fresh. I try not to play too much and practice too much because I’ll get too tired—when I have the concert I’ll have mental fatigue, which is never good. So, maximum one hour; no more, maybe a little less.
What inspired you to pursue a career in classical music? Who are some artists and teachers who have inspired you?
I started music because as a kid I had a hard time expressing my feelings through words. But I found that when I played the bass I could communicate something deep inside that I was never able to do with words. And so that’s why I stuck with it.
Story continues below...
As far as teachers that inspired me, number one is Edgar Meyer. Edgar was one of the first professional bass players I ever listened to. My first bass teacher Doug Sommer, who was an Atlanta Symphony bass player, gave me an Edgar Meyer CD, and one of the pieces was called “The Great Green Sea Snake.” And I said to myself, that must be what professional bass sounds like. And that set the bar pretty high.
Hal Robinson was another teacher who taught me not only how to be a great musician but how to be a better person. When I was at Curtis, I was put on probation my first year there at 17 years old because I was misbehaving. But he set me straight, so thanks, Hal.
What are some of your interests outside of music?
I run my own website, xavierfoley.com, because I like being able to combine business with music. I’m kind of a geek: My website has automations, so it sends you this and that, tracking orders, and whatnot. And I just like having customers and reaching out. There are a lot of ups and downs, but I take those opportunities to take accountability and learn from them. Other than music, accountability is one thing I really try to practice.
Hal Robinson was another teacher who taught me not only how to be a great musician but how to be a better person. When I was at Curtis, I was put on probation my first year there at 17 years old because I was misbehaving. But he set me straight, so thanks, Hal.
What are some of your interests outside of music?
I run my own website, xavierfoley.com, because I like being able to combine business with music. I’m kind of a geek: My website has automations, so it sends you this and that, tracking orders, and whatnot. And I just like having customers and reaching out. There are a lot of ups and downs, but I take those opportunities to take accountability and learn from them. Other than music, accountability is one thing I really try to practice.
