#JadeParker #FundmyFuture #Soundgirl #SoundEngineer

For as long as I can remember, music has been a big part of my life. My mom always says "Jade never spoke, she only sang"; everything was a song in my mind. It inspired the person I have become today and because of that I have found my passion for Sound Engineering and Music Production. I aim to inspire people, nations and generations with this universal language. Music helped me through a lot including my father's death.

The field I am entering is unfortunately costly, and even though I have the best support from my family, the financial burden has become a wall between my dream and my current state. The harsh reality is if I don't get funding, I will not be able to progress until we can finance it again.

I am currently studying towards a 4-year diploma at the Academy of Sound Engineering (ASE). ASE is not only world renowned for producing some of the best engineers in South Africa, but they are also the only institution in Africa accredited to offer a Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering. The institution is amazing and has helped to shape many industry professionals.

In my first year class we were a total of 5 females, the bar for female producers and artists around the world is extremely high; especially those of us on the technical side. Research shows that there are less than 5% recognised Female producers/Sound Engineers in the industry.

Sarah Boboltz of the Huffington post painted a clear picture when she stated that:

"There are so few of them (women), we couldn't find a single stock photo showing a lady on the technical side of the booth. There are so few of them, women in the industry are often asked whether they're really getting help from a man. But most important there are so few of them that audio recording associations haven't bothered to count their numbers in 15 years"

I am an active member of the SRC, who apart from looking after students needs; attend open days to source more female engineers. I talk to parents about how their daughters can cope in this male dominated industry and provide the aspiring student some tips I have learned along the way. I am an engaging member of my class and lecturers appreciate that I am open and come with some certainty as to what I want to achieve.

Please help me finish my Second year’s balance and fund my registration for third year. I will also need a few tools such as laptop and software in order to work on some of the required systems, for this I need to raise at least R 80 000. Anything raised over and above will be paid forward to another Female Audio Engineer!!!

You are welcome to do donations directly to Academy of Sound Engineering (Acc name) - Standard Bank Northcliff, Branch Code 006305, ACC NO 002951800, swift code: SBZAZAJJ REF: Jade Parker.

In my studies I have learnt of a variety of artists/producers who have made their way through crowdfunding such as Fruit Vendor, Cape consort and more. The power and passion for making music and the help of kind donors funded the path that they took to be where they are today and now I hope to do the same, with your help.

Please help me carry out my dream and I will share my progress regularly with you and aim to mentor other young aspiring female engineers.

I will be posting more on some of my music projects and sound innovations. WATCH THIS SPACE!

Love Jade

#Soundgirl #SoundEngineer