I relocated to London from the United States after earning my Master of Music in Performance at the Manhattan School of Music—graduating with top marks and receiving the Kraueter Musical Foundation Award. In London, I’m now pursuing a second postgraduate degree at the Royal Academy of Music, a decision driven by both my passion for growth and the city’s vibrant musical heritage.

My journey with the cello began at age ten in group classes, but private lessons were delayed by financial constraints. Raised by a single mother, I was fortunate to receive unwavering support from family and friends, which helped me join a youth orchestra and later transfer to Indiana University Bloomington to complete my Bachelor of Music. I then advanced to the Manhattan School of Music, where I participated in prestigious programs like the Sitka International Cello Seminar and the Meadowmount School of Music. Although I was accepted to the Royal Academy of Music earlier, the pandemic kept me in the U.S. until now.

At 21, I invested in my first “real” cello—a milestone that quickly revealed its limitations. Years of playing on a student model, combined with severe ligament laxity, led to shoulder injuries and an extended break from playing. I realized I needed an instrument that wouldn’t just produce sound but also support my physical well-being and artistic expression.

When I tried the Colin Irving cello in New York, the transformation was immediate. Its rich tone, effortless playability, and remarkable projection empowered me to regain control of my playing and push my potential further. Having passed blind tests against instruments twice its price and receiving unanimous praise from my teachers, I know this cello is the key to a more sustainable and successful career.

Now, as a finalist for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's Emerging Musician Fellowship and with auditions approaching in North Carolina and Denmark, the need for an instrument that matches my ambition has never been more critical. With guidance from senior members of the Academy administration, I am exploring creative financing and fundraising strategies to responsibly invest in this vital instrument.

This cello is more than a tool—it’s an investment in my future, ensuring I can perform at the highest level while safeguarding my health. I sincerely invite you to support this essential step in my musical journey.

Thank you for your time and consideration.