Pursue a dream outside the country that saw you born is not an easy task. It takes great determination. However, when that goal is accompanied by dedication, preparation and a clear understanding of the process to achieve it, the path becomes much more passable.
This is the case of Ramses Cid, a violinist Dominican who has begun to forge his destiny based on sacrifices.
The young artist has dedicated most of his life to perfecting his passion: music. He is a graduate of Conservatory National Academy of Music and graduated with honors from Nicholls State University in States Joined.
He also obtained a mastery at Arizona State University and is currently immersed in projects where you will apply that knowledge, including a doctorate. His dream is to exalt the name of his country and help other young artists achieve their goals.
—What was the process like to arrive in the United States and be selected to study at those prestigious universities?
Arrive at States United was a effort considerable, but thanks to the help of many people, especially the Fundación por la Música, I managed to do it. There I met renowned teachers like Paul and Timothy Kantor, who spearheaded the program.
After finishing my degreeI had the opportunity to approach the university of Louisiana, where Professor Paul ran his music.
He contacted me with them and that’s how I was able to finish my bachelorwhich in Republic Dominican equivalent to one degree. Then I spent four more years in the same university and, through auditions, I got a scholarship that allows me to work as a teacher violinin addition to other duties.
Later, I obtained my mastery at Arizona State University and quickly decided to do my doctorate there, under the same teaching, and now I am studying my first semester.
—How did you pay for what the scholarship did not offer?
I have been very fortunate to have him support of many people around me. I’m not talking about people with great resourcesbut from those in a similar situation to mine.
My familymy parents and my brothers, have always been there for me. I have one family numerous, and everyone has contributed. In addition, institutions such as the Fundación por la Música and the Sinfonía Foundation, through the violin Gabriel del Orbe, have been crucial.
Symphonic orchestras, such as Juan Pablo Duarte and the National Symphony Orchestra also played a fundamental role in my musical development. Despite my social situation, which could be considered lower middle class, I have had many people who have offered me their support.
Along the way, I faced financial difficulties, since not everything has been easy, but that support made me feel more confident that I could achieve my goals. goals. Fortunately, the university covered most of my billsand the Music Foundation took on others.
—How complex was the adaptation process, what sacrifices have you had to make?
I have done many sacrificesboth family and personal. As a lover of musicI always tried hard. I got up early to practice and get to where I am.
When I got here, I realized that reality was very different from what I knew. Everything depended on my tenacity and my hard work to reach the masteryfor which I prepared during 2022.
Despite having the scholarship higher, it does not cover all bills. I had to search support during the summer of 2022, even making a call on social networks to cover rent and food, which were not covered even for the mastery not even for him doctorate.
Without scholarshipthe cost of my studies It would be about 20 thousand dollars per semester. Although I have my registration covered, I need resources for rent, food and bills personal.
—How have you been able to cope with being away from your country and your family?
I have achieved it thanks to my love for musicwhich occupies almost my entire being. It’s all I breathe. Furthermore, I feel a duty to myself countrysince the music classic has declined considerably due to cultural and social changes.
I firmly believe that the music classic It is an art that should not die, since it rescues the souls of people and has helped me in difficult times. All who aspire to be great classical musicians deserve support and the cultural legacy should not disappear.
-
Ramses is the winner of the Brevard Summer Music Festival’s 2023 Concerto Competition, where he performed with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra.
-
He is also the winner of the 2024 Concerto Competition at Arizona State University, where he will perform Dvorak’s Violin Concerto with the Arizona State Symphony Orchestra in the spring of 2025.
—What are your plans once you finish your studies?
At this moment, I cannot define it with certaintysince it will depend on the circumstances.
My goals include being a university professor of musicespecially of violin at advanced levels, and I would also like to be part of a high-level symphony orchestra, either in States United, in another country or even return to the Republic Dominican.
I am also very interested in music of camera. With those three goalsI see myself moving forward.
—How do you currently see classical music in the Dominican Republic, already having as a reference what is done in the United States?
I attribute all of this to a cultural context. In our society, the music popular has eclipsed the classicaffecting few young people motivated to dedicate themselves to it, mainly due to economic factors.
The music classic takes time and effortand although it is worth it in the end, it is not easy. Those of us who have this calling must dedicate a lot to it, and it is imminent that the artist lives from what he does. Those with talent deserve attention, but often don’t get the support necessary.
The music classic It is an integral part of the musical and social set of our country and it should not disappear. I am worried that this will happen, since there are many people outside of this, because it is not promoted properly.
In States United, the traditions of music classic They remain despite the demand for other genres. Concerts are presented daily, something I don’t see in the Republic Dominican.
Of course, it cannot be compared, since we face different realities; we are a country in development with many precariousness, but also with talented young people who need supportsomething that is achieved here. The universities state receive resources for the promotion of art and private companies also support these initiatives.
I repeat, it cannot be compared. States United and Republic Dominican, but they can be allocated resources for him support of art in our country. Who has a dream move towards it without looking back, and although there are limitations, there are institutions like the Sinfonía Foundation that help develop talent.
Ramses Cid is a clear example of perseverance and passion in the world of musicdemonstrating that, with support and effortdreams are attainable.
