Lenka in the USA: Help Me Finish My Last Semester at NEC
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Help Me Cross the Finish Line: My Final Semester at NEC
Hi, my name is Lenka Molcanyiova. I’m a jazz saxophonist and a recorder player from Slovakia, and I have been living my dream—studying at the world-renowned New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston.
Thanks to your incredible support, I successfully completed three semesters of my Jazz Master’s studies at NEC, immersing myself in an inspiring artistic environment filled with world-class mentors, fellow musicians, and unforgettable musical experiences. I have come so far and now I’m so close to the finish line! This last semester is the final step and with your support, I can make it happen and finally graduate.
A Life-Changing Experience in the USA
Studying at NEC has been an incredible journey of artistic and personal growth. As the only Slovak musician at the conservatory, I have had the privilege to:
- Perform in numerous jazz concerts, from intimate or magnificent concert halls at NEC to prestigious music venues and jazz clubs in Boston.
with NEC Jazz Orchestra in Jordan Hall
- Collaborate with outstanding young musicians from all over the world, creating, recording, and performing music that pushes boundaries.
With my Baroque Jazz Trio: Michele Zimmerman (USA) & Kazuki Tsubakida (JPN)
With Nadav Brenner (ISR) at MyBoston Magazine launch
- Have lessons and classes with incredible musicians who have been guiding me through the learning and creative process: Jerry Bergonzi, Donny McCaslin, Nasheet Waits, Anna Webber, Frank Carlberg, Dominique Eade, Kalia Vandever, Allan Chase & Ken Schaphorts.
With Donny McCaslin / Jerry Bergonzi & Cecil McBee
- Participate in masterclasses and residencies led by jazz legends who have shaped the global music scene: Dave Holland, Jason Moran, Immanuel Wilkins, John Hollenback, Michael Mayo, Caroline Davis, Tim Berne, and upcoming Maria Schneider.
With Dave Holland & Carlo Kind, Daniel Mayer (USA), Longfei Li (CHN)
- Engage in community work—bringing my music to schools, senior houses, and healthcare workers in hospitals as part of NEC’s outreach initiatives.
Celebrating St. Patrick's day at the Peterborough Senior Center
Co-lead the Boston chapter of Slovak PRO , a US-based non-profit connecting, supporting and empowering Slovak professionals in North America & Canada.
Leading a discussion at Harvard with Slovak entrepreneurs: Michal Meško & Michaela Pobudová
Organizing and performing at the first Slovak Jazz in Night in Boston
Continue my mission with Music Beyond Borders (Za hranice s hudbou), the non-profit I co-founded in 2017, dedicated to providing world-class jazz and contemporary music education to young people in Slovakia. Our efforts have being appreciated by various global organizations including Moonshot Platform in 2024.
The students at our annual Summer Music Workshop "Za hranice s hudbou"
Why I Need Your Support
NEC has recognized my dedication by increasing my scholarship this year, for which I am deeply grateful. However, there is still a financial gap I need to bridge in order to complete my final semester. The remaining tuition fees and living expenses amount to $15,000, a sum I cannot cover alone.
Every contribution, whether big or small, will bring me one step closer to graduation and allow me to fully embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Your support will not only help me complete my education but also empower me to give back—to inspire the next generation of musicians, develop international artistic projects, and bring my knowledge and experience back home.
Join Me on This Journey
Your generosity has already made a profound impact on my life, and I am endlessly grateful. With your help, I know I can cross this final hurdle and continue making music that connects, uplifts, and transforms lives.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and my journey. Let’s make this dream a reality—together!
With gratitude and love
Lenka
Organizer
Lenka Molcanyiova
Organizer
Jamaica Plain, MA