Graduate studies in New Zealand

Hello! My name is Olivia and I am looking to raise funds to help cover the tuition costs of studying abroad at the University of Auckland in New Zealand with Arkansas native and world-renowned clarinetist, Dr. Marie Ross.

Why?

Having worked between two to three jobs (including a resident assistant, bookseller, and library worker) while completing my undergraduate studies, at the cost of both my mental and physical health at times, I am hoping to move to New Zealand for my graduate studies to get a better quality of life, to broaden my perspectives, and to get the experience of performing in the vein of a professional musician.

Where will the money go?

Tuition fees. As of April 2023, the US is no long able to provide funds through FAFSA for the University of Auckland. Once I am in Auckland, I am eligible to apply for more scholarships, but this means I will have to take out a private loan in the mean time. Funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will be used to offset the amount I will have to pay out of pocket. Ideally, I might also want to buy a plane ticket to visit my family at least once during my studies in Auckland.

The impact of my studies in Auckland

Make classical music more accessible

One of my main goals as a musician is to bring more classical music into the community. Last year, my woodwind quintet was able to go on a chamber music tour to small towns in Arkansas, including Eureka Springs, Berryville, Bull Shoals, and Mountain View. Being able to see the joy and excitement in the community’s expressions after the concerts was truly life-changing, and it has become one of my goals to help make classical music more accessible.

Improve community mental health

Music has provided me a mental and emotional refuge, and with my double major in psychology, I plan to give back to the community in the aspect of music therapy. Once I have completed my Master of Music degree in Auckland, I plan to embark on another degree in Music Therapy, most likely here in the U.S. Music therapy is a vastly growing discipline that can be used from one-on-one counseling sessions to physical muscle rehabilitation. With my additional major in psychology as a foundation, I will be able to not only assist people musically but further observe and conduct research on the effects of music and wellness.

Sustainability

During my undergraduate studies, I have had the unique privilege of learning to make clarinet reeds; a practice I plan to continue. While major reed companies are conscious of the environmental effects of the mass production of cane reeds, the amount of waste and byproducts produced instills lasting harm on the earth. Having moderate success with growing the cane used to make reeds here in Arkansas, I hope to be able to continue this research in New Zealand in some fashion. While the country has countless rare flora and fauna, the climate and proximity to water would provide an ideal location for growing cane. I believe it could provide a quality and sustainable reed production environment under properly controlled research conditions. (This may or may not happen, in all honesty, this paragraph is just me letting you know that I am invested in researching sustainable practices for musicians.)

Thank you in advance, your support means the world to me!