Ayomide's Musical Path to the US

(TIP: Make sure to read to the end to learn about your incentive for helping Ayomide!)

Last fall, I was contacted by a young man from Nigeria about studying viola with me. He had come to the US on a tourist visa as part of the African United Youth Orchestra. They were here at the invitation of Carnegie Hall to perform in their World Youth Orchestra Week. While here, he realized he ardently wanted to stay and go to school in the US. As I've worked with Ayomide, his earnest determination and talent struck me. I loaned him a viola and gave him lessons, and we recorded audition videos for college applications. However, his immigration lawyer advised him to forego college applications for now and focus on applying for an E1B visa for extraordinary ability. He just learned that his application was approved!! With the E1B visa approval, he will receive a green card once it's done being processed.

In the meantime, he has to apply for a work and travel visa, which can also take months to be approved. Until then, he can't work or travel outside the US. Of course, there are many costs while he waits for his work visa: application fees, lawyer fees, immunizations, basic living expenses. After leaving my house this morning, he went to a doctor appointment that was required for his visa. He was given a $1400 bill for the required vaccinations. It is very hard to pay for these things when one can't work.

I'm hoping our community can help by contributing toward his immigrations fees and living costs. Any amount, no matter how small, is appreciated. If funds are raised beyond what is needed for his immigration fees, it will go toward helping him establish an apartment.

Anyone who is able to contribute $50 or more will be invited to a house concert featuring Ayomide that I will host. This will take place sometime in summer or fall 2025, date TBD. If you can't make it in person, we will share a private livestream of the concert with donors.

Thank you for considering helping Ayomide!

-Nana

Ayomide playing Galop by Vaughan Williams