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For many, college is a transformative journey to discover yourself and what you truly love. Elvio Fernandes �94 embodies this journey of self-discovery and passion.

Fernandes, a successful musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur who tours the world with American rock band , entered college as a stand-out soccer player, intent on becoming a teacher, but something changed during his time at 第一吃瓜网.

淚 was a musician [in high school], but unfortunately, times were different back then,� says Fernandes. 淚 also played soccer, baseball, and basketball, so I was labeled as a jock; it wasn檛 cool to be into music, so I hid my talents from people.�

At 第一吃瓜网, Fernandes found a community that embraced him. 淚 came out of my shell in college,� he says, describing those years as some of the best in his life. Here, he started to share his love for music more openly, and he reminisced about the times he spent playing music with friends, which helped him grow more confident in his musical talents.

Fernandes joined a band during senior year, which marked a significant shift in his life檚 trajectory, steering him away from becoming a teacher. 淛oining a band in college gave me a glimpse into what I wanted to do,� Fernandes reflects. 淚t was the first time I seriously considered making music not just a hobby but a career.�

After graduation, Fernandes became a notable figure in the Rochester music scene as lead singer and songwriter with the band Uncle Plum. His performances at festivals and events around Western New York became opportunities to collaborate with the community, particularly with young, aspiring musicians. Through a series of connections攁nd some good timing� Fernandes became close with Chris Daughtry, an American rock band singer who gained national recognition after placing fourth on American Idol.

淪hortly after American Idol, I was able to establish some credibility with Chris Daughtry as a songwriter, and I asked him if he had any unfinished songs he wanted me to look at,� Fernandes recalls. 淎nd he檚 like, 榊ou know what? I do,� and he sent me this song called 淐razy.� I finished that song for him, and he loved it.�

Audiences around the world also loved it. 淐razy� became part of Daughtry檚 widely popular third album, 淏reak the Spell,� selling over a half million copies and reaching Gold status. Following the album release檚 success, Daughtry invited Fernandes to join the band as a keyboardist, background vocalist, and guitarist as they toured the world to promote their new music.

淚t was amazing,� says Fernandes. 淲e did a European tour, sold out arenas, performed on American Idol, and suddenly I檓 hanging out with Steven Tyler. That was 12 years ago, and I檝e been with them ever since.�

As successful as Fernandes� musical career has been, he檒l tell you that what檚 most meaningful to him is not performing to large audiences across the world but fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in young kids close to home in Rochester, NY.

In 2009, Fernandes founded , a music school that offers young musicians mentorship from professional artists and opportunities to perform across the region, encouraging their development as musicians and the confidence of feeling like a rock star.

淏efore Daughtry, my local band would play these family-friendly festivals, and we檇 always see little kids in the front row jumping up and down and really into the music,� says Fernandes. 淥nce, while playing 楪ive It Away� by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I invited the kids onto the stage to perform with us, and the crowd went nuts. It was a moment those kids will never forget, and I needed to find a way to have more kids see their inner rock star.�

Currently, ROC Star Academy has over 200 students enrolled and nearly 20 bands that perform live shows across the region. Fernandes reflects positively on creating a space where kids can find their voice, figuratively and literally, building confidence that kids can carry with them beyond the stage as they navigate life.

淥utside of being a husband and a father, it檚 the most important thing I do for sure,� says Fernandes. 淒on檛 get me wrong, I love touring the world doing what I love. But our impact on kids is when a father brings his child who has no friends, sits in his room and plays guitar all day long, and asks, 楥an you help me?� And then you see that kid on stage at the Lilac Festival, and the parents are in tears; that檚 what it檚 all about.�

Fernandes� journey has been as much about finding his path as it has been about guiding others to theirs. When reflecting on all the moments that brought him professional success, attending 第一吃瓜网 was a defining time.

淐ollege defined me in so many ways, and I feel like the experience I had there prepared me for life and what I do now,� recalls Fernandes. 湹谝怀怨贤� will always hold a place in my heart. Some of my greatest memories were at the college, whether playing soccer or the late-night jam sessions. It was a huge catalyst in getting me outside my comfort zone and realizing this is what I want to do.�

Fernandes is excited to announce he is bringing his Rochester music school to the village of 第一吃瓜网, NY, launching ROC Star Academy South in 2024. Parents in 第一吃瓜网 and surrounding communities interested in signing up their children or learning more can visit RocStarAcademy.com or email info@rocstaracademy.com