Emilie's Berklee Fund

https://www.emilierosefiddle.com

My name is Emilie Rose. I'm a fiddle player from Nevada City, California. I am currently attending the school of my dreams, Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. I've shared my hopes of achieving this dream with just about everyone I've known since I was 11 years old. Rockin'  my Berklee garb as a wee one.

Picking up my first fiddle when I was 9 years old, I fell in love with the instrument and it's music instantly. It still blows my mind that even though I was quite young, I had made a life long plan revolving around music. I quickly became involved with all of the musical opportunities Nevada City School of The Arts had to offer and started taking private lessons. I had heard about the legendary Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Fiddle Camp from friends at school, and this prompted me to attend. I knew immediately that I belonged. By attending camp for 11 years now, I have met and learned from some amazing musicians who are now my musical heroes and friends. 

I joined a group called the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers who have made it their mission to share and educate about the Scottish musical tradition.  This phenomenal group of generous people and incredible musicians who took me to the next level of my musical journey. The SFSF are like family to me, always there, encouraging and supporting. Much of my performing experience comes from our annual Spring Concert Tour. The memories we shared out on the road with 100+ musicians will always remain with me. The 10 day SFSF Spring Concert Tour of California

From the very beginning I performed as much as I could all over my hometown and beyond. Freezing temperatures at street faires and dozens of volunteer gigs never dampened my spirit. I was lucky to find some musical soul mates, Delphine Griffith and Lexi Tyrrell. We formed a band in 2010 for the KVMR Celtic Festival. Our debut as The String Sisters! After that, we started taking every gig possible. We only wanted to play music and share it with anyone who would listen, even if it was in the corner at some crowded event. Every moment of my time with them we worked well together creating and playing as a band.
Watch a String Sisters 2015 performance here

Fast forward to 2016. I took 1 year to work and get ready for college. With the help of some dear and hardworking friends, I was able to spend a long time and tons of energy preparing for the audition; the one thing Berklee places heavy emphasis on for admittance. 

The whole time my mom kept saying, "but how can we afford it, how can we afford it?" I assured her that "some dreams carry within them the power for their own realization".  Actually, that's what she's always said to me, but who's keeping track  (:

My audition time came and off to San Francisco I went, ready, knowing that this was going to happen one way or another. I felt pretty confident, but knowing that Berklee searches the world for their 900 students to begin in the Fall of 2016 was a huge reality check.  I gave it my all and they gave me poker faces.  So began the great wait of 1 month for the results. Warming up in Golden Gate Park

On March 31st 2016 at 10pm an email came congratulating me on my admission to Berklee College of Music in Boston.  I will be majoring in Professional Music to focus on music education, performance, music business and American Roots music. 
Epic robe hugging and crying session

I did receive a scholarship, a grant, and some money from the State of California.  Berklee assured me that their scholarship was a "hefty" financial package.  However, they are not known for giving giant scholarships and only give 8 full rides per year.  I am extremely grateful for what I have received. 

These generous awards still leave a significant gap in my tuition costs.

Some of you have said you would like to help me do everything in my power to have a career in music.  Some of you have asked "when's your Go Fund Me campaign coming?"  Well here it is, and here's the goal I am trying to reach: $20,000 to cover my 2016/2017 year only. I currently have reached half of this big goal, and Iam nearing the end of my Spring semester.  If anyone would like to contribute in increments over the year, or for my whole 4 years, it would be extremely appreciated.
Even if I do meet the 20k goal, I am still going to be taking out student loans for the remainder of my tuition and expenses over the years. 

I spent my whole gap year working hard as a tutor, a music teacher, and a nanny saving up money for school. I am currently making money in Boston by playing gigs, working at SoWa Vintage Market persuing my passion for clothing, and selling my own clothing online here.
Teaching fiddle classes at Nevada City School of the Arts

Currently at Berklee I am learning how to read and write music in my core classes, studying with world renowned fiddlers such as Bruce Molsky and Darol Anger in the phenomenal and ever-expanding American Roots Program, starting my own band, Sailbow, with Berklee friend and cellist Casey Murray, playing shows and gigs within the school and in Boston, and working hard on my original music. 

My new band, Sailbow. Listen to our music here: Sailbow FB

It's difficult to even begin to thank everyone who's helped make my dream come true along the way. To put into words how incredibly grateful I am to every single person who's ever encouraged me in any way is impossible, and I have not forgotten your gestures. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Every kind face and word from the past 10 years is flowing through my head while typing this.  I also would like to tell you that I am very excited for what the future holds for me. Going to Berklee has changed my life and I'm grateful for every day. I thank you all for making this a reality. 

Please consider helping me pursue my dream. If you are able to contribute, I promise you'll have a lifetime pass into all of my concerts and I'll be honored to have you in my audience.  :D