“Thanks to my scholarship support, I am able to pursue my dreams in the United States.”
Arta Jekabsone (BFA ’19, School of Jazz; MA ’20, Arts Management and Entrepreneurship) traveled to New York to start her music career at The New School.
Arta Jekabsone is a fifth-year student in the Bachelor’s-Master’s Dual Degree Program at the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. The New School has provided her not only a place to experiment musically, but also a look into the business of the industry.
—
I am originally from Latvia and have been playing music my entire life. No one in my family is a musician but they have all been very supportive. I feel very fortunate. I always dreamed of being able to come to New York City to study and play jazz, but never thought I would have the chance because of financial restrictions. Thanks to my scholarship support, I am able to pursue my dreams in the United States.
My experience at The New School has been excellent. I’ve met so many wonderful musical collaborators. I am also thankful to The New School faculty who have given me tools to be a better musician — musically, technically, and theoretically. I have received so much encouragement. I enjoy composing music and collaborating with different artists. It’s a challenge, but it always results in something beautiful.
My New School scholarship support allowed me to study at a great school and to live my dreams surrounded by a community of support while making music in New York City. I have difficulty putting it into words, but hopefully my music will be able to say, “Thank you,” someday.
