Will you help me on my career adventure to Italy?

Howdy there, my name is Èmile Joseph Weeks. Thank you for coming to this site to learn more about a big step that I am about to take in my life.

I am happy to share that I've been accepted into a greatly respected summer intensive with Metropolitan opera legend Aprile Millo this summer. Let me tell you how much this means to me - I'd like to share some words to describe just how powerful this opportunity is. I appreciate you taking a moment to learn about how this opportunity will change my life.

Many folks in this one of a kind city Baltimore where I am a current resident, know me well. I've had such a privilege of getting to know the many layers of history, community, and friendship this city has to offer as I've evolved artistically, and individually of the course of 16 years. Having the courage to put this together has been challenging - I don't like to ask for things generally. I like to give as much as possible. In fact, giving of self is a personal value that guides my life in every aspect. What I haven’t shared as much that is at the core of who I am as a creative person is that I am a classical musician. At age 8, I started training classically as a pianist, then moving on to voice at age 13. The point of intersection wherein the arts and sciences meet is an endless source and a major inspiration for me. It's always fascinated me. The arts whether they be classical or otherwise, make up such a large portion of societal reflection today. One could argue that they have been at the basis of how communities co-exist since civilizations have existed. This is important I feel, the arts whether they be performance arts, visual arts, literary arts, all reflect the human consciousness. They allow us to connect to those before us, and those after us.

This summer I have the opportunity to spend a bit over a month learning from not just Aprile Millo, but also other living legends like Conductor and bel canto expert, Richard Bonynge. I will also have the opportunity to perform in historic opera houses, sing for agents, and perform for Franco Zeffirelli's centennial celebration. The invite I've received would be literally life-changing. Starting as a pianist first, I decided I wanted to learn how to sing because I was told I had no natural voice. I have applied myself and worked hard for almost 20 years, to turn potential into a competitive sound that embraces an artistic tradition. With this sound, I'm able to share with the public of as many countries as possible not only my talent, but my love for sharing; intellectually, sonically, and emotionally, with warm care.

What can I give back to a community that is willing to generously consider to support me? This summer I will document my experience in detail. My aim is to entice those who may know little about opera, or even those who are well acquainted; to show my modern experience. This includes learning about the knowledge of singing. To piggyback on that comment, I'd like to offer a free voice lesson to all of those who donate. I believe to explore the human voice is to explore the human soul.

I'm asking for this much because of these costs; 3300.00 airfare, 1500.00 hotel costs, food costs, travel within Italy, and time spent with no job while I set myself up to walk into a new life as an operatic artist working professionally. I truly believe that it is my life’s work to sing and serve. This trip will very much so be about advancing my career through intensive study and exposure provided by these wonderful folks involved who've chosen me to participate in the program. I ask that you consider these words here within the context of how this experience will change my life forever. I would sincerely appreciate your support! Thank you for taking the time to read about my story and the impact that I want to have on the world.