Fatima Landa's New Oboe

I am raising funds for my oboe student, Fátima Landa Velazquez. Faty was accepted to BUTI (Boston University Tanglewood Institute) for their Young Artists Wind Ensemble (YAWE) and Oboe Workshop. This would not be possible without the generous help of Tanglewood, who are amazingly providing her a full-tuition scholarship in addition to room and board and fees.

Faty needs travel funds from her native Mexico, visa costs, and materials for her study time this summer in the US.

Faty was one of two winners of my Oboe Scholarship. I have been teaching her online since last October. You might not think that teaching a student after a long week after everyone else is in bed Sunday night for free would be worthwhile, but it's one of the best and easiest things I do each week. While Faty won several big local competitions in recent months, including a concerto competition, the prize money in Mexico does not translate well to US dollars.

Faty is one of those students who practices a ton, needs no external motivation, and makes the most out of everything given to her. She is also an extremely lovely and pleasant human.

I know that this experience with other young musicians and other young oboists, under the guidance of the oboists of the Boston Symphony, will be transformational. I am thrilled she has the opportunity because I know there is not one student there who will make more of the time than she will. There is no one more excited in the world than Faty about Mahler Symphonies or learning new oboe skills. I can't overstate how much she will benefit from being in the same room with people such as the teachers at BUTI.

Faty has learned to make reeds entirely on her own, and I have never been in the same country with her. Prior to her time in Massachusetts, I will bring her to Baltimore for a week of intensive hands-on help, especially with reeds. I know that her instrument does not work properly, but without seeing it in person, I'm not sure the extent of the issues. We will get it all taken care of that week, and if it means loaning her an instrument for the summer, that will be done.

Faty recently turned 17 and is about ready to finish university in her native Xalapa, Veracruz. Her long-term goal is to become an orchestral musician, and her short-term goal is to apply to music schools/universities in the USA next year. If anyone thinks they have a good program (and scholarship) for her, please be in touch with me.

If you'd consider donating the cost of your fancy coffee to her summer, we would both be very grateful.