Crystal Golden

“The Peterson Endowment in Vocal Arts has made it possible for me to attend the program that met all my criteria. Because of this generous gift, I can pursue the vocal education I need for the success of my career, and I can continue to serve at a university that has given me so much. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and I intend to show it through diligent work and continued service to GMU and to the community.

During my time at Mason, I was given the opportunity to compete in several competitions through VA-State and Mid-Atlantic Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), The National Society of Arts and Letters, and Friday Morning Music Club. I was able to travel to Italy for the Amalfi Coast Music Festival three times to perform major roles in the operas. I was also selected to participate in the Oxford Semester study abroad program at University of Oxford.

The defining factor of my time at Mason was the overwhelming support I received from faculty and from the Fairfax community. My achievements were made possible because of the vocal instruction and mentorship I received from Professor Patricia Miller, the artistic team that surrounds me in and out of the vocal studio, the well-rounded music education I received from a world-class faculty, and the superior education standards at GMU.”