Hi! My name is Emma Robertson. Originally from Marietta, GA, I am now living in Boston, MA pursuing my masters degree in Vocal Performance at the New England Conservatory. Though I find myself at such a prestigious institution, this would have been hardly fathomable to me just six years ago. As a high school senior, I had known for years that I wanted to go into marine biology. Music would just be a hobby, a side-gig even. It wasn't until I was involved in a musical production at school that unlocked the pent-up passion for music that laid inside me. I wasn't sure what career options were available to me in the realm of music, but I knew that that was what I had to do. After scrambling to get an audition package together for spring auditions, I found myself enrolled at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. It was there that I experienced my first voice lesson; it was there that I found a community of likeminded individuals with this same fire within them; it was there that I discovered opera as this legit entity, not just the background music to your favorite commercial. I remember sitting in costume in the wings of every dress rehearsal and performance of the spring production of Don Giovanni by Mozart. It was my first time hearing real opera, let alone being in a real opera. I was captivated by the technique and power displayed in these voices, voices that resembled mine.

5 years and a pandemic later, I am finishing up my graduate degree at the New England Conservatory. I find myself terrified of jumping into the real world of auditioning and call-backs and "We're so sorry to not offer you an audition this year..." and side gigs. As I leave school for the first time in my entire life, I still do not know exactly what the future holds. However, I recently accepted a student position in the accredited Vincéro Online Academy. Founded amidst post-Covid thinking (what the arts would look like in the coming years), Abdiel Vázquez created this platform as a way for young singers to work virtually with some of today's most admired opera figures from all around the world. One-on-one coaches and voice lessons are offered to each student as they study different roles for the season's opera, as well as the opportunity to perform in several different masterclasses with extremely gifted and working professionals. In the end, the students have a chance to perform in Carnegie Hall with a live orchestra, and receive an Artistic Diploma (as well as numerous contacts within the highest degrees of the operatic world).

CLEARLY...a big deal, and an opportunity I was praying to get! I remember my virtual audition for Maestro Vázquez himself. I was sick with a cold, and so incredibly nervous. I sang one aria for him, he asked me a couple of logistical questions, and said to me: "You have my recommendation 100%. Congratulations!" I calmly thanked him...and then screamed once we logged out of the Zoom meeting! I just could not believe it.

I received my official confirmation into the program yesterday, with details outlining my package: I will be learning 3 different roles (all of which are among the top five of my dream roles); have 15 private coachings; participate in 7 masterclasses; 2 one-on-one career consultations; and access to 7 different seminars on the industry. To say that I am grateful is an understatement, and I was fast to say yes.

My only dilemma comes with the cost. The program's tuition is $7000, and that is the total after a $2500 scholarship. I have been approved to pay this over the course of a 12 month period, starting November 15th. I am asking that anyone who knows me and wants to support me in this amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity do so by donating any amount, and/or by sharing this GoFundMe. People who are able to donate $50 or more will receive a hand-painted thank you card (by me!) with all of my love and thanks. It is the very least that I can do, but I ask that you please consider helping me out in any way you can!

All my love,

Emma R.