Dream Music Master Degree at Berklee Valencia (!)

Hi,

My name is Joana Carvalhas, also known as The Tiny Musician, and I am a multi-style violinist that loves to create and play music, travel around the world, meet new people and drink a good cup of coffee.

After been freelancing for more or less 3 years, I decided that it was the time to challenge myself and get to the next level in my music and improve my music skills/learn how to record and produce music in a more professionally way.

So I applied for my dream school that I always wanted to go (since 2016) and that some old colleagues in college and teachers told me that "it was too hard for me to get in because I'm not that good or even a 'normal’ musician". I was lucky enough to have very supportive people around me the months before the online audition - my parents and some close friends - that made me keep going on the hardest times, when I just wanted to give up of all. After playing for the juris on the online exam, I got an email, just before Christmas, that informed me I GOT ACCEPTED!!!! I was SO happy - best Christmas gift!

Even though the school is located in Spain, the main campus is in Boston (US) and the cost fees are like the American ones: unfortunately, too high for a Portuguese freelancer musician. I use to say (kinda joking, kind serious) that “One day I will be rich and famous” and be able to help other artists to fight for their dreams. Until then, I am trying my best to collect enough money to be able to study there: so that is why I need your help.

The total fee for 1 year is 46.000$. The school gave me a scholarship of 15.000$ but there are still 30.000$ to pay plus accommodation, food and some daily expenses (and plus the softwares and music gear they want the students to buy, but I am already been saving for that).

The deadline to confirm my enrollment in the school is 1st May so I need to collect the full amount until around 25th April (just in case some document is missing and I still have some days to enroll at the school with enough time). Also, this date is a special day in Portugal and hopefully I will be able to celebrate it double. I will be very grateful forever for all the donors and people that helps me to reach this dream. :)

I am a very hard worker and very focused on my work: I practice my scales everyday (poor neighbors), I teach, I play concerts/events/weddings, I do recording work for other musicians, I manage my website, book my concerts, book my trips and logistics, design my posters, manage my social media, write my monthly newsletter and I am trying to start making reels and nice videos to youtube because, apparently, "that is the future for musicians”. I am not perfect, but I’m really doing my best and you can expect that from me in whatever you ask me to do/play.

Being a musician can be chaotic and a rollercoaster of emotions sometimes, but I love my job and because of music I have been lucky enough to meet amazing people. And I feel music connects people in a way I can’t experience in any other form of art so... studying at Berklee Valencia for one year would be my biggest goal for 2024 and my happiest event of the year.

I still believe in the kindness of people so fingers crossed I can make it! :)

Thank you SO much for being part of my journey and music,

Joana

Listen to my album Indoor Thoughts