Hi everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Akela Franklin-Baker. I'm a 23 year-old classical singer from Oakland, CA. I graduated with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance in 2015 from University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.  This fall, I will be attending Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA to pursue a Master of Music in vocal performance. I have a background in art song, oratorio, opera, musical theater, jazz, choral music, chamber music, and band and symphony orchestra. Put simply, my career goals are to to nurture my extreme passion for music by sharing it with others, More specifically, I would like to spend my days singing and teaching as much as humanly possible, ideally in exchange for money. I have dreams of regularly performing operatic roles in regional and major opera houses in the United States and abroad, as well performing art song, oratorio, and other concert repertoire. I also have a keen interest in vocal pedagogy and would like to maintain a private voice studio. I'm also interested in directing, opening my own opera company, or perhaps becoming a university professor.

As I'm sure many of you are aware, though the arts are a vital part of human culture and bring so much joy into our lives, careers in such fields are extremely competitive and not very lucrative. For example, a career in classical voice requires extensive, expensive training, often followed by a few years of making music for little to no pay and/or literally "paying your dues" for summer festivals, workshops, and young artist programs to ensure you obtain the exposure you need to succeed in the future. For me, moving to the East Coast and obtaining my M.M. is a crucial part of that journey. However, even the process of trying to get accepted into grad school is not cheap. This year, I spent thousands of dollars outside my regular budget on lessons for the year, coachings, travel and accomodations, application fees, accompanist fees, trial lesson fees, and audition outfits and makeup (yes, that's super important), just to name a few. It was totally worth it! I got to meet and work with some amazing teachers, I was able visit 3 new American cities, I learned a lot and gained a ton of confidence, and best of all, I was accepted to the school that was right for me. However, as tuition, health care, and first/last month's rent deadlines approach, I find myself low on funds. Thus, if you are able,  any donation you are able to make would mean the world. 

Before shipping out in the fall, I have decided to hold a recital for friends, family, and music lovers around the Bay Area to show my hometown what I've learned in the last 5 years of my training.  It will be held on August 14th at 5 pm at Epworth United Methodist Church in Berkeley and the link to the Facebook event is below. Admission is free, but I would greatly appreciate any donation you can give, either here or at the door. 15% of funds raised will go to the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choirs Judi Fabrizio Scholarship Fund,  and the rest will go towards living expenses in Boston and the costs of my recital event. 

A bit about the scholarship fund: 
After working as the “voice” of member services in the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir office for 17 years, the extraordinary Judi Fabrizio has retired. I had the pleasure of working with Judi in the summer of 2011 while volunteering in the office and was able to experience her true kindness and generosity firsthand. PEBCC has established the Judi Fabrizio Scholarship Fund in her honor to provide financial aid for choir participants in need in the hopes that more children can experience (and continue to experience) the transformative magic of music. The 8 years I spent in PEBCC were vital in my musical education as well as one of the most fulfilling parts of my childhood. I am beyond excited to give back to such a life changing organization. 

I love singing more than most things. It's extremely fulfilling and brings me so much joy. The older I get, the more I become certain of my decision to follow this career path. The singer's life isn't easy, but it's the only one I'd ever choose. I extend deep thanks to all of you for your support, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the recital. 

Facebook event: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/310786612598606/
Judi Fabrizio Scholarship Fund: 
https://piedmontchoirs.org/judi-fabrizio-scholarship-fund