Launching a Life of Song
Donation protected
My name is Issa O. I am a 15 years old Asian American, and I have found my calling. Someday, I would like to travel the world sharing my story and my voice through music.
Growing up, I was terrified of everything. I loved to sing with my sisters, performing all over the house. But outside, I’ve been told I emptied restaurants, subways stations, and apartment condos. Unfortunately, that was because I had experienced trauma at the hands of people close to me, and screaming was the only way I knew how to express myself. In the process of realizing what had happened to my family over the years, my loud screams became silent.
All along, I had that secret dream of becoming a pop star, traveling the world singing to stadiums like my idols: Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande. They all had classical training. Therefore, I had to have classical training. A year ago in January 2018, I had my first vocal lesson: it changed everything. Through voice, I explore and express the power of all the human emotions: drama, grief, falling in love and finding new beginnings. Singing has been the most important part of recovering: it gave me my voice back. And added new idols: Diana Damrau, Maria Callas, Sumi Jo, and Anna Netrebko are names I never would have known without being introduced to the new world of voice.
This December, I uploaded my first videos to Youtube for an international competition, and won first place in two categories - romantic classical, and overall musical talent! I am now preparing for my first big concert at Carnegie Hall this coming Easter Sunday!
And a few weeks ago, I was accepted to the 4 week Bel Canto Institute summer program in Florence Italy, and a 6-week vocal program at Interlochen in Michigan! I have decided to attend Interlochen (because they gave me a partial scholarship, and because of their renowned instruction - I’ll be following in the footsteps of Norah Jones)!
I have created this Musical Gofundme to raise the funds to help me to (1) fund my performance at Carnegie Hall, (2) study music at Interlochen this summer, and (3) create my first album.
I know this is so much money at a time of great need. My mother and sisters have helped as much as they can to support my healing and dreams, and I hope that training will develop my voice to move others to be more loving and compassionate. I also want help other survivors heal the way music has done for me. I would like to thank supporters with gifts of gratitudes:
$1,000+ - Choose a song for me to cover (dedicated to you on Youtube!) + select one gratitude gift below
$500 - Signed first edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O poster
$250 - First edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O t-shirt, custom designed by Ameya Marie
$100 - Signed first edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O postcard
$50 - First edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O Sticker
$25 - Tag on my Instagram (@queennatto)
Growing up, I was terrified of everything. I loved to sing with my sisters, performing all over the house. But outside, I’ve been told I emptied restaurants, subways stations, and apartment condos. Unfortunately, that was because I had experienced trauma at the hands of people close to me, and screaming was the only way I knew how to express myself. In the process of realizing what had happened to my family over the years, my loud screams became silent.
All along, I had that secret dream of becoming a pop star, traveling the world singing to stadiums like my idols: Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande. They all had classical training. Therefore, I had to have classical training. A year ago in January 2018, I had my first vocal lesson: it changed everything. Through voice, I explore and express the power of all the human emotions: drama, grief, falling in love and finding new beginnings. Singing has been the most important part of recovering: it gave me my voice back. And added new idols: Diana Damrau, Maria Callas, Sumi Jo, and Anna Netrebko are names I never would have known without being introduced to the new world of voice.
This December, I uploaded my first videos to Youtube for an international competition, and won first place in two categories - romantic classical, and overall musical talent! I am now preparing for my first big concert at Carnegie Hall this coming Easter Sunday!
And a few weeks ago, I was accepted to the 4 week Bel Canto Institute summer program in Florence Italy, and a 6-week vocal program at Interlochen in Michigan! I have decided to attend Interlochen (because they gave me a partial scholarship, and because of their renowned instruction - I’ll be following in the footsteps of Norah Jones)!
I have created this Musical Gofundme to raise the funds to help me to (1) fund my performance at Carnegie Hall, (2) study music at Interlochen this summer, and (3) create my first album.
I know this is so much money at a time of great need. My mother and sisters have helped as much as they can to support my healing and dreams, and I hope that training will develop my voice to move others to be more loving and compassionate. I also want help other survivors heal the way music has done for me. I would like to thank supporters with gifts of gratitudes:
$1,000+ - Choose a song for me to cover (dedicated to you on Youtube!) + select one gratitude gift below
$500 - Signed first edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O poster
$250 - First edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O t-shirt, custom designed by Ameya Marie
$100 - Signed first edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O postcard
$50 - First edition #bitchdiva2019 Issa.O Sticker
$25 - Tag on my Instagram (@queennatto)
Organizer
Issa Okamoto
Organizer
Portland, OR
