Greetings to all.
My name is Michelle Nicole Abadia; I am sightless. I am originally from caguas, puerto rico; but currently reside in Boston, Massachusetts. I'm a professor of modern languages at Emerson college, as well as a lyric soprano and guitarist who performs as often as possible.
I was born in san juan, Puerto rico. I was soon diagnosed with cataracts, a congenital eye disease; By age five, I had completely lost my sight. Music then became, and still is, my only source of "light".
My very first memories revolve around music. Legend has it that at eighteen months, I would hum tunes at bath time. At age two, I sang "Silent Night", "Noche de Paz", for a family christmas gathering. Though I made up half the words, it became obvious to those present that music was in my blood and in my soul. It did seem very strange to our friends, since i did not come from a musical family.
At age five, i was accepted into the prestigious San Juan Children's Choir, where I learned music theory, piano, guitar and vocal performance. Though some in positions of power argued that i'd never set foot on a stage, I proved them all wrong. by age eight, I was already performing with the group. i taught myself how to follow choral conducting, and used to transcribe all my music into Braille until braille scores became more readily available. Now, if that's not "love of music", I don't know what is!!
Around age ten, I began to feel the impact that music was having in my life. i felt such peace, joy, freedom and a sense of purpose everytime i performed as a soloist. i also realized that my singing could uplift people- strangers and acquaintances alike.
As a teenager, i won two voice competitions; one of which was international and only open to adult performers. i had the privilege of representing Puerto Rico on the count of a mature-sounding voice. i was also a frequent guest on various local radio and television shows.
Though I very much wanted to pursue a fulltime music career, i had to be practical. As a sightless person, i had to prove that i was intelligent and independent enough to compete in a sighted world. Therefore, i went on to complete a bachelors degree in French literature and a minor in international studies from Boston college. Subsequently, I obtained a masters degree in French literature from Tufts University, and a masters degree in vocal performance from the New England conservatory of music. Through out my college and graduate school years, I was the main soloist of the boston College chorale and a member of various honors choirs.
As I went on to teach at several colleges in the Boston area, i never stopped performing. i am known by many as a multifaceted recitalist. Though classically trained, i'm a performer of spanish-language ballads with guitar self-accompaniment, musical theater, soft pop music, Gershwin and cole Porter and classical artsong in French, German and Italian.
I have performed in Boston,
Washington D.C.,
new york City,
rhode island,
New Hampshire,
San Juan,
Rome,
florence,
Wales
and England, among other places.
i have performed for huge concert hall audiences, such as at mirkin Hall in new york City; as well as for smaller, more intimate gatherings such as night clubs and corporate events.
Since my teenage years, I was never able to shake the feeling that the stage is where I really belong- touring, reaching out to millions. to this end, i began posting my most recent concerts on Youtube and on my facebook fan page, in hopes that someone might be interested in what I had to offer. i have been able to reach a much wider audience, and have been truly humbled by the feedback i've received.
An opportunity has now presented itself for me to tour in the fall of 2013 as a fulltime performer. the realization of this dream will require some major financial assistance in order to make it a concrete reality. from the preparation stage to the first few months of touring.
my goal is to raise $6,500 by the middle of May, 2013. Your generous financial support will help me greatly with such expenses as:
1. professional headshots
2. The recording of a live dvd toward the preparation of a promotional package or (promopack)
3. the completion of said promopack
4. Duplicates to be sent to lounges, cafes, night clubs, theaters, concert halls, cruise lines and other venues.
5. the purchase of a twelve-string guitar.
6. Amplification equipment for both six and twelve-string guitars.
(This is important, because especially in the beginning, I'll be performing with guitar self-accompaniment only.)
7. the purchase of newer, more professional-looking wardrobe.
in addition, your contributions will also help me with the cost of plane, bus and train tickets, lodging, food and recording sessions- all these through out the first months of touring. Reaching my campaign goal and be able to perform fulltime would have a huge impact in my life-- This is the closest i've ever come to making my lifelong dream come true. it would be such a great disappointment if a lack of resources was to deter me from going full steem ahead with what i was truly born to do. Your financial support would grant me a golden opportunity to humbly share a part of who i am with others.
That's how I think of each performance i give- as an invitation for people to enter into my world and partake in it. I'd be so much looking forward to going to your home cities and towns and meeting you all to thank you in person for helping me to keep my "light" shining brightly.
Anything you can contribute will be very much appreciated. if you are not in a position to contribute, you can still help me by spreading the word about my campaign to your friends, colleagues and family members. Through the sharing tools on Indiegogo, Facebook, Twitter, linkedin and other forms of electronic media, more people will be able to make a significant contribution to the world of music. well, you can assist me in drumming up support for my campaign even if you do contribute! of course, word of mouth doesn't hurt either!
if I do not reach my campaign goal of $6,500, the money raised will go toward the preparation stage of my US tour.
Just think: By contributing in any way you can to my campaign, not only will you help me to experience that same joy, peace, freedom and sense of purpose i felt as a child, but you'll also give a physically challenged performing artist the confidence to know that the realization of big dreams is indeed possible for "EVERYONE"!
I thank you very, very much.