Music has always been at the center of my life, shaping who I am and guiding the path I have chosen. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of music to evoke emotion, tell stories, and bring people together. My journey as a musician began in childhood, where I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of sounds—gospel, jazz, classical—that influenced my early love for music. This passion grew as I participated in school choirs and theater productions, eventually leading me to pursue a formal education in music. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Queens College, where I have dedicated myself to studying vocal performance and honing my craft as an operatic tenor. My experiences have been diverse, ranging from performing as Basilio in *The Marriage of Figaro* to leading QCVOX as founder, president, and conductor. These opportunities have not only helped me grow as a performer but also deepened my understanding of the collaborative nature of music. Working with talented musicians and conductors has taught me the importance of teamwork, dedication, and continuous learning—qualities that I carry with me in every performance. One of the most rewarding aspects of my musical journey has been the chance to study under esteemed voice professors like Andrew Wanningman and Sherry Overholt, who have helped shape my vocal technique and artistic expression. Their guidance, combined with the practical experience I gained through internships with organizations like Voices of Ascension, has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my career. After completing my degree, I aspire to pursue a career as a professional opera singer, performing on stages around the world. I am passionate about bringing the beauty of opera to new audiences, especially those who may not have had the opportunity to experience it before. I believe that opera, with its rich history and powerful storytelling, has the ability to resonate with people from all walks of life. My goal is to use my voice to connect with others, to evoke emotion, and to inspire through performance. In addition to my aspirations as a performer, I am also committed to giving back to my community. I hope to establish a music education program that provides access to quality vocal training for underserved youth. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore their creative potential, and I am passionate about helping the next generation of artists find their voices. In conclusion, my background in music has been a journey of growth, discovery, and passion. As I look toward the future, I am excited to continue pursuing my dream of a career in opera, while also making a positive impact on my community through music education. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals, allowing me to further my studies and continue my journey as a musician dedicated to sharing the transformative power of music.

My name is Matthew Davidson, and I am an operatic tenor with a deep passion for music and the performing arts. From a young age, music has been more than just a pastime; it has been a source of inspiration, a means of expression, and a guiding force in my life. Growing up in Brooklyn, I was surrounded by a diverse array of musical influences, from gospel and jazz to classical and contemporary. This rich tapestry of sounds shaped my musical journey and fueled my desire to pursue a career in the arts. Music has had a profound impact on my life, providing me with a sense of purpose and direction. It has taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, and collaboration. Whether performing as the Mayor in *Albert Herring* or conducting the QCVOX (a student run choir led by me), I have always been driven by a desire to connect with others through the power of music. My experiences have shown me that music is not just an art form; it is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, bringing people together in ways that few other mediums can. I am passionate about using my talents to make a positive impact on the world. Through my career in the arts, I aim to inspire others and foster a sense of community. One of my proudest achievements has been founding and leading QCVox. This role has allowed me to bring together students from diverse backgrounds to create beautiful music and build lasting friendships. I believe that by nurturing and sharing our creative gifts, we can make the world a better place, one note at a time. If I could do one thing in my community, it would be to create more opportunities for young people to engage with the arts. I have seen firsthand how transformative music can be, and I am committed to ensuring that others have the chance to experience its magic. I would love to establish a community-based music program that provides free or low-cost lessons, workshops, and performance opportunities to underserved youth. By empowering the next generation of artists, I hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams and make their own positive contributions to society. In conclusion, I am driven by a passion for music and a desire to use my talents to make a meaningful difference in the world. Through my career in the arts, I plan to continue spreading joy, fostering connections, and giving back to my community. Music has given me so much, and I am committed to sharing its beauty and power with others. Here’s is a video of me singing Idontwannabeyouanymore by Billie Eilish featuring my friends on various instruments feel free to explore my page https://youtu.be/dQoW6JyGtxA?si=rhCW3uLKmL3D_5vD

Music has been the one constant in my life, a guiding force that has shaped my identity and aspirations. Growing up in a household filled with the sounds of jazz, gospel, and classical music, I developed a deep love for the art form at a young age. My earliest memories are of singing along with my parents, captivated by the emotions and stories conveyed through melody and harmony. This early exposure to music planted the seeds for a lifelong passion that has only grown stronger over the years. As I progressed through school, my love for music blossomed into a desire to pursue it as a career. I found joy in every aspect of musical performance, from the thrill of singing on stage to the discipline of learning new pieces. The more I immersed myself in music, the more I realized its power to connect people and convey emotions that words alone cannot express. This realization solidified my decision to major in music and dedicate my life to this beautiful art form. Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to receive extensive training in voice, piano, music theory, and other essential skills. These experiences have not only honed my technical abilities but also deepened my understanding of the rich history and cultural significance of music. I have had the privilege of performing in various productions, from opera to choral ensembles, each of which has taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. One of the most transformative experiences of my musical journey has been my involvement with QCVOX, which I currently serve as the founder, president, and conductor. Leading this group has been a profound learning experience, allowing me to develop leadership skills while fostering a sense of community among fellow musicians. It has reaffirmed my belief that music is not just a personal passion but a powerful tool for bringing people together and making a positive impact on the world. As I continue my studies and work toward my goal of becoming a professional musician, I am driven by a deep sense of purpose. Music has given me so much—joy, solace, and a sense of belonging—and I am committed to giving back by sharing this gift with others. Whether through performance, teaching, or community outreach, I am determined to use my talents to inspire and uplift those around me. This scholarship would not only support my educational endeavors but also enable me to continue pursuing my dream of making a difference through music. I am going into classical music but using it as the foundation for all types of music the clip in the clip I shared I am singing once upon a dream a piece I arranged for violin viola flute piano and voice it’s more of a musical theater selection. Feel free to look at my musical journey displayed on my page.

Art and music have the profound ability to transcend boundaries, touch hearts, and inspire change. As a tenor with a diverse background in opera, musical theatre, and choral music, I have been fortunate to witness firsthand the transformative power of these artistic forms. Through my experiences and training, I aim to make a positive impact on the world, using my voice and musical talents as instruments of connection, healing, and empowerment. My musical journey began at an early age, with extensive training in voice, piano, music theory, dance, and acting. This multidisciplinary foundation has been crucial in shaping me into a versatile performer capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and stories. Over the years, I have had the privilege of performing in various productions, from grand operas to intimate musical theatre pieces, each offering unique opportunities to engage with audiences on a deep emotional level. My professional experience extends beyond performance. At Staples, La Palestra, BJ's, and Gap INC, I have honed skills in customer service, administration, and teamwork. These roles, while not directly related to music, have taught me the importance of discipline, empathy, and effective communication—qualities that are invaluable in any artistic endeavor. Furthermore, my time as a receptionist and office administrator has provided me with insights into the organizational aspects of running artistic events, enhancing my ability to contribute to the arts community in multifaceted ways. Music has an unparalleled ability to heal and inspire. As a performer, I strive to create experiences that resonate with audiences, offering them a temporary escape, a moment of reflection, or a spark of inspiration. Whether through the emotional depth of an opera aria or the uplifting energy of a musical theatre number, my goal is to touch the hearts of those who listen and to remind them of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. In conclusion, my journey in the world of music and art is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact. Through my performances, collaborations, and professional endeavors, I aim to use my talents to connect with others, promote healing, and inspire change. The road ahead is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, and I am committed to embracing each one with passion, dedication, and a steadfast belief in the power of art and music to make the world a better place.

Music the language that’s universally understood. Music is something that is intangible yet stands against the curse of time. Music is something we all know and love but can’t seem to understand why. It reminds us of the good times the bad and the ugly and always seems to come at the time we need to hear that song. I think the answer is why not he passionate in something that is so universal. My journey in music professionally starts in high school where I learned piano theory sight singing chamber music choral skills solfege and everything in between. But you don’t wanna hear about that stuff I think the real story lies in where music has taken me, music taken taken me from grand central station, to my several of my friends living rooms where we had amazing jam sessions to upstate where my musical training really grew to Carniege hall in the next few weeks and to the Czech Republic over the summer. Everywhere music has taken me I have always performed it with a fiery passion and with all my guts. Music in my school although isolating at times brings ordinary people together in a way that we couldn’t connect without it. I have met many different peoples through my journey and I’m blessed to have met so many various talented individuals throughout my lifetime. Through the influence of these people I went 10 toes down and committed to music as a major in college. While the road hasn’t been easy I know it’ll be worth the ride I am at my last university and glad to be saying I will graduate next year with a BA in music composition. Writing music is something so appealing ever since I found out about Lin Manuel Miranada, through his writing he was able to create opportunities for people of color to perform and give back to his own community. Like the old saying says if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em. With my music comp. degree I plan on creating even more opportunities for black and brown people to play in musicals operas even orchestras and give back to underserved communities in more ways than one by creating a nonprofit organization that offers free music lessons and classes in the underrepresented areas such as East New York and Brownsville and to create scholarships funds and competitions ones where people like us can compete and have an equitable chance to win. Music is important to me because it is a gateway to freedom and equity it opens many doors and can take you places you would’ve never imagined. Take a chance on your dreams and you never know where you may end up! With this scholarship I will used to funds to apply to my tuition for my senior year and any books or other expenses that are school related that might come up and finally graduate!

Matthew you’re so smart I know you’re gonna be big one day were the words of my mother ever since I was 5 years old. Little did I know what situation I was in. From the time I gained consciousness I always knew I had a dad he just didn’t live with us it actually didn’t occur to me that my family was broken and that living with your mom only was the norm at least in my mind. When I was eight or nine years old my mom destroyed our house the TV shattered, the living room had glass everywhere pictures were broken even the windows, my mom had been yelling for what seemed like two hours, I was in bed scared so scared I had wet the bed instead of going outside my room to see what was going on. Finally the police came and got me and my mom rushed to the hospital. I was contained in foster care for a few days until my dad came from New York to get me. It wasn’t until years later I would find out my mother has a psychotic break and that mental illness ran in my family. Later on growing up in the transition from middle to high school I decided I wanted to do music somehow and thought it would be a great idea but my father had other thoughts he said I was smart and needed to stay focused on my book studies and not music to do music as a hobby, I auditioned for one school Talent Unlimited High School and that is where I went. After graduating I persuaded myself into doing chemistry and once reality hit at the university I ran back to my holy grail my saving Grace music. Music throughout the years has been the one thing keeping me sane reminding me of the good and the bad. Music is the only thing that stands the time. As a music composition major I want to create music that will just in general make people feel good in times of worry or get the emotions out when needed. After many years now my dad has seemingly turned around he’s supporting me in every way he can by showing up to my shows even paying tuition and being the best single father he could be, however when Covid hit he was an essential worker, he ended up getting injured on the job and is now on disability. My and mom are in contact but she is out the picture for the most part I am on work study on financial aid and next year will be my last year however I have ran out of financial aid, using this scholarship money would allow me to finish up my degree and go on to the real world and help me take care of my parents the way they took care of me.

My time in New York Chamber Choirs youth was an amazing experience. A group of 13-18 year old's harmonizing and singing in sweet robust harmony on a Tuesday afternoon after a long day of class was all I needed to feel alive again. Hello, my name is Matthew Davidson and I am a junior music student studying composition with a primary instrument in voice and here is how I want to shape the future. From the moment I stepped into high school I went a musical journey from learning the finger shapes of the piano to freshman chorus where I was introduced to solfege(do re mi). Then being launched into a chamber group my sophomore year and singing solos in Italian and English all while learning how music works and the skills needed to apply said music into the real world. Junior year we got more advanced, I was put into concert choir with the upperclassmen and we sung in French and German. Then finally, jazz and musical theater. to my final year where I ran my own acapella club and now was the upperclassman in concert choirs but also the schools new advanced jazz choir and a lead in the schools opera also balancing sat prep with Saturday school and a leadership program and lastly NYCC Youth. Through my experience I have learned that music education is very important and I only want to give back to the community that has raised me. I soon learned music gets way more difficult in college. On my first day of choir here I am sitting there in class waiting to sing the songs on solfege, nothing new I thought until we sight sang nine pieces in one sitting. There was even a quartet of upperclassmen who sight sang the music perfectly with perfect phrasing diction and balance. There I learned I was no where near college level and that things were going to be a lot harder than I imagined, however with time and practice I leveled up to the point where I could do the same. Now as a junior at my current school I want to niche down and inspire the youth of today that they too can study music in college. The power of solfege is a mysterious yet impeccable power to have. Through opening a non profit for music I want to teach the future generations how to harness this power so that when they do eventually get to college they will be prepared and even thrive as soon as they start college. Music is my superpower and I want to share it with the world. NYCC Youth changed my life and I want to create a program just like it in my neighborhood and surrounding underserved neighborhoods.

Music is the universal language of today. Simply because no matter the language it is sung/played in, no matter who wrote it, or even who’s playing it. It’s the emotions that it brings out of people and how it brings people together that matters. An example of this is in WWI there was a fight between the Germans and the British people and they stopped the fight to sing Christmas carols on Christmas it’s a remarkable moment because the songs brought the men closer to each other and as a reminder of their families. Only music could bring these two opposing teams together on a magical night such as Christmas. I think I will make a positive career with music and my own music by bringing something new to the table. Beloved melodies such as Les Berceaux and Apres Un Reve by Faure are some of my favorite songs. Although I have a long way to go there is a whole lifetime that I will have to make/create music. My superpower is that I am me and no one else can ever replace that. I want to open up a music nonprofit to give back to the underserved communities such as the one I live in and give back the joy of music I have felt my entire life through music education. I also have plans to be on Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera House some day in the future. By doing this I want to show little girls and boys that they can be anything they want to be when they get older. I want to show them by doing not just talking the talk but actually walking the walk too. Lastly I am a composition major so I would love to make music for video game companies and make music that overall inspires and brings people together just as those Christmas carols brought the opposing teams together during a world war on a Christmas night. In the video down below I rearranged once upon a dream from Jekyll and Hyde the Broadway musical for violin viola flute piano and voice. I wanted to perform it for my schools open mic because overall the song is just magical and has that old Disney feel to it. I was so blessed the other musicians were able to take time to rehearse it with me so overall I hope you enjoy the video!

“YOU’RE MAJORING IN MUSIC YOU MUST BE CRAZY” !” And crazy I am. Hello my name is Matthew Davidson I am currently a rising senior music composition major with a primary instrument in Vocal Studies. I am also a first generation student. My guardians think I must be insane to go to school for music but ultimately I figured this is my life I’m only going to live it once. I’ve transferred twice, at my first university SUNY Fredonia I loved it there but it was a huge financial strain on my family. It was these stomping grounds when I decided I would be majoring in music. I was originally a chemistry major but I join a few music clubs and immersed myself in the culture. It was here I first got private lessons took some of the music courses and ultimately got accepted into the program. However by my sophomore year it was clear my family couldn’t afford it. So I transferred to Brooklyn College. CUNY Brooklyn College was like a dream, but there was something missing. After all which campus is that close to a chipotle in all of New York, I slowly found out what was missing it was the grit and overall talent that the music department had, which led me to transfer to my last and current school at CUNY Queens College. At CUNY Queens College they basically told me I would have to start my degree over. Knowing what I wanted and needed from the school and following my gut even knowing I would run out of financial aid is what I did. Now I am a Native of Brooklyn Attending Queens College. What I would say is to follow your dreams and never let go of them no matter the cost things will ways work out. My future goals with this degree is to give back to the community that helped make shape me. I would love to open a nonprofit choir in a impoverished neighborhood such as mine (East New York, Brooklyn) and give children the opportunity to experience the joy of music like I was able to my whole life. Other than that I want to inspire the youth of today by showing them they can be whatever they want to be. I want to show this by doing and achieving and not just saying. All in all Broadway the MET Opera and even writing my own compositions would be a dream.