Who are you and why do you need the money?
My name is Maya Kherani, and I'm an emerging professional opera and concert singer. It is my dream to make a career out of classical singing and to share the joy of music - and I need your help to get there. I've recently been admitted to the highly competitive American Bach Soloists Academy; I'm one of only 2-3 sopranos nationwide. The American Bach Soloists are one of the leading early music ensembles in the world (named “the best American specialists in early music” by The Washington Post), and I will have a chance to sing with them, coach with the faculty, and launch my early music career. This program helps to bridge the gap between school and a professional career in an advanced training program for emerging professionals and accomplished students of early music (music composed up to the late 18th century, focusing on the Baroque period).
I graduated with honors from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with my Masters in Vocal Performance, and I've recently enjoyed success singing in the Bay Area. However, as an emerging professional, the money I make from engagements barely cover my voice lessons, coachings, audition fees, and travel expenses. And unfortunately, none of these expenses are optional for a singer starting a career.
As with all arts, breaking into the field is incredibly difficult, financially draining, and extremely competitive. I would greatly appreciate any help you could give to make my dream a reality.
To learn more about me and my current happenings, please visit my website at www.mayakherani.com. If you're interested, there's also a sign-up for my newsletter on the homepage - it's a great way for you to keep up with my current performances.
What will the money be used for?
The tuition for the ABS Academy is $840, and I will be required to buy all my own music (~$200). Furthermore, I will also be attending the Baroque Vocal Programme with Early Music Vancouver, which is $1250 in tuition and ~$400 for travel expenses. Lastly, I am recording a CD this summer of oratorio arias by Bach, Handel, and Mozart to send as an audition CD to various conductors. For this, my husband Zaafir will be playing the piano so that I will not need to hire an accompanist. However, the CD production will cost ~$200 to rent the hall and pay a sound engineer.
My goal of $2000 with this campaign will not cover all the aforementioned expenses, but I am also applying to a few scholarships to help cover the rest. I would truly appreciate your support in helping me reach my goal. Please consider the Perks (see right) I'm offering as a token of my sincere gratitude.
What's the impact?
Your help in my endeavor will enable me to continue my path towards a performing career. I'm passionate about early music and scholarship in performance, and these programs will help me tremendously with that goal; not only in training, but also with making invaluable connections. I truly believe that classical music is something that everyone can enjoy, and I strive to make it accessible, fun, and enriching for everyone I perform for.
How else can I help?
Even if you are unable to contribute, I would still appreciate your help in getting the word out about my campaign and using the awesome Indiegogo share tools on your social networks and/or email.
Any other questions?
Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you might have: mkherani@gmail.com.
If you would like to keep your name or contribution amount undisclosed, there are opportunites to select this option before contributing and after (on the confirmation page). If you have any problems with this, please contact me, and I can make the change manually.