Alumni Spotlight: Tatiana Dickerson

The article below was written by Tatiana Dickerson (AMP Class of ‘24). Tatiana was a member of the Senior Youth Choir, and attended DeKalb School of the Arts. This fall, she will attend Florida A&M University to study Music Performance and Musical Theatre.

Tatiana in her early years at AMP Academy

Since I was young, AMP has played such a big role in my life.

My journey began in the second grade, when my grandmother signed me up in the AMP Preparatory Choir. At that time, AMP had just started as an after-school program at my school, Ivy Prep Academy. From having rehearsals at the Gilbert House to when they opened their own doors on Dill Ave, I have seen AMP grow so much.

I have so many memories from those early days at AMP, meeting amazing people and having incredible opportunities. One memory I look fondly on was when drummer Lil’ John Roberts complimented my voice, saying, I “would be a star one day”.

Tatiana (left) attending rehearsals in her early years at AMP

Tatiana (center) in performance with the AMP Preparatory Choir

Fast forward to 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was in the AMP Junior Youth Choir when suddenly [programming] went virtual. I struggled with my mental health and felt isolated in quarantine. It was really challenging to go from singing in person to hearing my voice through a computer screen. For these reasons, I decided to step back from AMP.

During my time away, I realized I was missing out on so many amazing opportunities. But when I came back, I was warmly welcomed by Ms. Aisha (AMP Co-Founder and Chief Program Officer), Ms. Breanna (AMP Director of Choral Programs) and Mr. Keeyen (AMP Voice Teaching Artist). It felt comforting and nostalgic to come back to the place and people that have played such a huge role in nurturing my vocal abilities and self-confidence.

“AMP provided me the training, performance opportunities, and friendships I needed to thrive as a musician.”

When I started at AMP, singing was just something I did. Now, I am a musician.

Without AMP, I don’t think I would have realized my huge passion for performing. They created a safe and caring place for me to meet like-minded people. AMP provided me the training, performance opportunities, and friendships I needed to thrive as a musician.

As a performer, I have learned important skill sets like how to differentiate between choral singing and solo singing. I’ve also learned how to care for my voice, how to practice, and read music. All of these skills along with Ms. Miriam‘s (Director of College & Career Services) support have helped prepare me to pursue Musical Theatre and Music Performance this fall at Florida A&M University.

I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to do what I love and have such an amazing start in my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Atlanta Music Project.

Tatiana embraces Cailey Inman (AMP Class of ‘22) after the Senior Youth Choir was
announced category winner at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand.