From Brazil to the U.S.: Advancing Music Through Education

My name is Harnefer Oliveira Cruz, and I’m from Eunápolis, a small town in the state of Bahia, Brazil. I began my musical studies at the age of 12 in the Assembleia de Deus Church. At 18, I moved to Salvador in pursuit of a dream: to study music.

Living far from my parents and family, and being a first-generation college student, I’ve faced many financial and social challenges. But through art, I found not just a career path, but a true life mission.

Through the trombone, I’ve learned values such as empathy, discipline, fellowship, and the joy of both learning and teaching.

With a lot of effort, I’m now completing my undergraduate degree in Music at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), and today I take an important new step: I’ve been accepted into the Master’s program in Musical Performance at Ohio University in the United States, where I will study with Dr.Lucas Borges.

Deeply believe in the power of art to transform lives, and I want more people to have access to that experience.

That’s why I’m raising funds to cover the initial costs of this new journey in the U.S.

If you believe art can change lives, please help me keep this dream alive.

Every donation is deeply appreciated!

Due to the many challenges I’ve faced as a first gen student, your support means even more.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much!