Cassie Kollman's Graduate School Fundraiser

Dear Community, 

I have been dreaming about pursuing music for over a decade now. Back in 2011, I came close to enrolling in a Music Therapy/ Education Program but instead decided to continue to focus on my career and to pursue music “on the side.” In these years I sought private vocal lessons, participated in community choirs and local opera productions, and attended community college and musician’s workshops.

In the process, I was fortunate to study with Jane Hanson, Jane Shivick, Abigail Riccards, Dana Lynne Varga, and the Music program at Holyoke Community College. I am proud to have grown significantly as a musician and singer, engaged in diverse musical styles, and developed my songwriting skills. On July 31 I am about to release my first, self-produced record of original music, called Lady in Shoes, which is something I wouldn’t have thought possible 5 years ago. It contains 8 original pieces, performed by myself and a talented group of musicians and friends. You can find out more about the record at: cassiekollman.com/ladyinshoes 

When COVID hit and things got quiet, I reflected on my dream of studying music formally, and discovered it was still very much alive in me. I am thrilled to have been accepted into the Longy School of Music at Bard College, a small conservatory located in Cambridge, for a 2 year master’s program in Vocal Studies! I received a generous scholarship ($60,000 over two years) that recognizes my skill and potential. But I still need your help in making this dream a reality!

My goal is to raise $15,000 from my family, friends, and community to help support me with the tuition gaps and costs of participating in the program.  You have supported me in so many ways over the years, and I am so grateful.   

The type of vocal/musical education I am seeking is performance based, community oriented, and values nontraditional students (like me!). Longy has a unique curriculum that allows students to study multiple genres in order to develop their own musical voice, and requires students to develop a collaborative community art project prior to graduation. In addition to performing, I have a long term goal of producing music and arts events which showcase women and nonbinary performers, raise scholarship funds for girls’ music education programs, and offer networking opportunities to emerging creatives who often remain marginalized in the broader arts community. Earning an advanced degree in Music, in combination with gaining experience in arts management, is an important step towards these goals.

Your support means so much to me.  Your financial contributions, all gathered together, will provide me with a blanket of encouragement, in addition to the practical matter of paying tuition. 

I am hoping to raise:

5 donations of $1,000 or more. (Win free admission to my CD release party, a copy of the record, and a personal house concert!)
10 donations of $500-$1,000. (Win free admission to my CD release party, a copy of the record, and I’ll write a personalized song for you or a friend)
15 donations of $100-$500. (Win free admission to my CD release party and a copy of the record)
100 donations of $25-$100. (Win free admission to my CD release party)
 
Every penny is a step towards my schooling. The campaign will be open until August 16th (my 33rd birthday!), will you help me reach my goal? 

This past year has made me incredibly grateful for all the wonderful people in my life, and I thank you so much for being one of them.

With love and so much gratitude,

Cassie 

www.cassiekollman.com 
www.instagram.com/cassdownunderthestars/