Who am I?

Hello all! My name is Guillermo Ramasasa and I am a current music student at the Lamont School of Music in Denver, CO studying the clarinet. I have been involved with music since I was in middle school and have been playing the clarinet for a little over 8 years since my freshman year of high school. I have enjoyed every second of this life changing musical journey I have taken a part of and will continue this path for as long as I can. Being involved in music has taken me around the world, helped me meet some of my best friends, and has filled the void in my heart that I had as a little boy. Performing music isn't just a hobby to me as it has completely changed my life for the better and has really become something that I hold near and dear to myself.

I have always planned on pursuing music further and getting a master's degree, but it wasn't until I took part in a fantastic exchange program in Milan, Italy that I planned to take auditions for music schools abroad. The thought of studying music in a different country was so intriguing and exciting to me, though it was also something I thought wouldn't be possible as it is a very intimidating idea and can be highly competitive. I chose to apply for conservatories in London because one of my dreams has always been to travel there and begin a musical career. I love the area as I know it is rich in it's musical history and the musical culture there is highly regarded and respected. Also, London has one of the best orchestras (My personal favorite being the London Symphony Orchestra) and also another perk to studying there is that they speak ENGLISH! 

After taking two intense auditions at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, I had a simple decision between the two. I chose the Royal Academy of Music not only for its world renowned reputation, but also for the unrivaled faculty. During my time at the Royal Academy of Music I will be studying clarinet with the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Richards, as well as taking secondary studies on Eb clarinet with Chi Yu Mo, Principal Eb clarinetist with the London Symphony Orchestra. 

Why am I on this site?

As we are all aware of, education does not come at a small price. I have been asked by the Academy to put down a 25% tuition deposit that is due by April/May, which ends up being around 5,750 pounds. After the conversion rate, that ends up to being roughly around $8000-$9000. This 25% tuition deposit is asked from each student no matter what their scholarship/ financial aid looks like.

While being a full time student, I am currently working two part time jobs to help pay for things such as travel/medical expenses to tend to my auto immune disease of Psoriatic Arthritis (I don't have working health insurance in Colorado so I have to go back to my hometown of Las Vegas to see my rheumatologist whenever I have the chance), living expenses (rent, bills, food, etc), as well as my professional musical investments (Summer festivals, travel expenses, instrument care). Without a generous scholarship from my current school I would have not been able to pursue an undergraduate education. Coming from a low income background and my mother being a single parent, I have to be as independent as possible to make ends meet, yet I will not be able to make the tuition deposit by April/May alone. 

How can you help?

As of now I am currently holding a private benefit recital to help make up some of the funds, but that alone will not help me get to my goal. I am not one to ask for much help, but my education and musical studies are so important to me and I can't have something as small as a tuition deposit hold me back. 

If you or anyone you know would be willing to donate it would be very much appreciated. Even the smallest of donations will be treasured! All of the donations will be going towards my tuition deposit, and if there are any funds left over I will put it towards the rest of my tuition for the Academy. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I really truly appreciate each and every one of you, donations or not. This upcoming opportunity in my life is so exciting and it will be one of my dreams turning into a reality. Please feel free to share this with your friends and family as well. Thank you and have a wonderful day!