As 2024 rolls around, I am planning to embark on a major CD recording project: 2 discs, one of classical music and one of contemporary music, which represent who I am as a pianist. This will be my debut album, and one which I hope will serve as a starting point in sharing my artistic voice with a wide audience through Spotify, Amazon, Apple, and more.

Since the changeover of music streaming to digital platforms, CDs are no longer a means of profit, either for the musician or the label, so recording has largely become a self-funded endeavor. They are still quite important in serving as a portfolio for artists, and having a physical album is quite critical for advancing a musician's career, but this is ironically a huge financial burden.The various costs simply for the recording process itself include: studio/hall rental, recording equipment, sound engineers and technicians, concert piano, tunings, and post-production editing.Then there are further costs associated with distribution with the record label, promotion, design, and more. Based on quotes with several recording studios I have been in contact with, the cost is wide-ranging, but the minimum recording packages start at around $15,000 net.

The last two years of my personal and professional life have included important milestones for me, as I:

- moved to Germany, a dream of mine ever since I was young

- graduated with my doctorate from Yale

- toured Europe as the pianist in a contemporary music ensemble for a year

- studied with the world-renowned modern and classical music pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard

I have delayed making my debut album for several years, but now feel especially invigorated and ready artistically.

One of the most challenging things to navigate as a musician is in giving oneself the space and time to grow as an artist. I have always prioritized taking the time to study and pursue ever higher artistically; they are some of the biggest investments in my career.

As I apply for various grants to help me with procuring financial resources to realize this project, I would like to express gratitude for any additional support that I can raise through crowdfunding. For those willing to contribute any sum, large or small, you will of course receive a free copy of the eventual CD set!

Larger gifts will receive special acknowledgment in the liner notes and, as a bonus:

$350-750: piano or music lesson

$750-1500: personal arrangement of your favorite song/piece

$1500+: personal private performance/recital

*all gifts can be for yourself or a loved one :)

Please also feel free to check out some of my most recent live recordings on my website here!