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Tona Brown is a violinist/opera singer known for being the first transgender woman of color to headline at Carnegie Hall and perform for a sitting president.

Arts & Culture
Education
Social advocacy
    Hi everyone, My name is Tona Brown, known as the first transgender woman to perform at Carnegie Hall and for a sitting President. I have been wrongfully evicted from my apartment after paying the balance using the online portal. The development evicted me anyway, saying they couldn’t verify that I paid them and sent sheriffs to change the locks. As I was trying to explain to them that I paid the amount in full online, I was asked to step away from the front door and fainted, falling down a flight of steps. After I was released from the hospital, I was told I could not enter the apartment until a police officer is available to escort me in. A police officer never came, and I was told to come back Monday. I have no clothes, food, or money because I wasn’t given my purse when I was rushed to the hospital. I will have to pay $120.00 a night in a hotel, find another apartment, get movers, a truck to move my things, and food because I am not allowed in the apartment. As an independent music teacher, it has been hard to run my small business due to the government shutdown, economy, and layoffs happening in the DMV area. My students are having difficulties paying me on time, making my rent late and causing constant threats of eviction from this development. I really need help to be able to move forward. Although the apartment complex has promised to refund me the money after seeing I did pay them the full amount owed, it will take 30 days to receive a check from them. If you can help me in any way, I would greatly appreciate it. I am currently in a lot of pain trying to heal from the fall but grateful for my life.
    Become a patron of the arts and sponsor a student to receive music lessons! We want to offer more music lessons to students, both in person and online. Aida Studios was founded by pioneering concert violinist, opera singer, and teacher Tona Brown. Ms. Brown uses her experience to teach students privately, often working with students from all over the world. Students take violin, viola, piano, or voice lessons. They receive two lessons a week, get help with audition preparation, perform in concerts, recitals, masterclasses, and participate in karaoke sessions to perform in front of others. Tona's goal is to continue this work, provide employment opportunities for area teachers, offer scholarships to students who cannot afford private lessons, start a local talent competition, and establish a community orchestra and choir. Masterclass with violinist Colin and Tona A $300.00 donation will support a student to receive up to 8 music lessons with a conservatory-trained professional, giving them the best opportunity to succeed in the arts. Our students perform music of all genres and are at all levels of development. Casey plays To Zanarkland from Final Fantasy Mason plays jazz carina sings the national anthem Lauren sings Adele Elizabeth prepares for beauty pageant