Tiara Thankam Abraham Makes History as Youngest Master’s Graduate Across All Indiana University Campuses
In a remarkable feat of academic prowess and musical talent, Tiara Thankam Abraham, an 18-year-old Indian American prodigy, has etched her name in the annals of achievement by becoming the youngest student to earn a master’s degree across all seven Indiana University campuses. On May 3, she donned her academic regalia, not long after acquiring her driver’s license, to celebrate the culmination of her journey with a Master of Music degree.
Expressing her elation and gratitude, Abraham remarked, “I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for this achievement. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m proud to have earned my Master’s Degree at such a young age.”
Abraham’s ascent to this pinnacle of academic success has been nothing short of extraordinary. At the tender age of 16, she distinguished herself as the youngest Regents Scholar at the University of California, Davis, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Undeterred by the challenges, Abraham transitioned from California to Indiana to pursue her passion for vocal performance at the renowned Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Throughout her academic odyssey, she maintained an impeccable 4.0 GPA, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Reflecting on her daughter’s journey, Dr. Taji Abraham, Tiara’s mother and a former veterinarian turned homeschool teacher, shared, “I have seen the challenges Tiara faced during the two years, so seeing her succeed and get her Master’s degree is emotional, a very happy day for our family.”
Bijou Abraham, Tiara’s father, a software engineer who shuttles between California and Indiana to support his family, expressed his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments, stating, “Tiara’s dedication and hard work are truly commendable. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to her continued success.”
Tiara’s voice teacher, Prof. Patricia Stiles, hailed her as a rare talent, emphasizing her maturity, poise, and linguistic versatility. Stiles lauded Tiara’s ability to master diverse musical repertoires, including languages like French, German, Italian, Latin, and even Spanish, Russian, and Swedish, as evidenced in her recent Master’s Recital.
Beyond her academic accolades, Tiara is a seasoned performer who embarked on her classical voice training journey at the age of seven. She has graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Musikverein, and the Vatican, garnering national and international acclaim.
At just 17, Tiara debuted her first operatic role in Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ in Italy. Undeterred by her youth, she aspires to enchant audiences worldwide with her operatic prowess, aspiring to grace the stages of renowned opera houses across the globe.
Looking ahead, Tiara remains resolute in her pursuit of musical excellence. In the fall of 2024, she will embark on her doctoral journey at Indiana University, pursuing a Doctor of Music in Music Literature and Performance. Her enrollment in one of the country’s premier music schools solidifies her status as a trailblazer in the world of music.
“I believe in the power of music to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives,” Tiara affirms. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and excited for what the future holds.”
In an era where youth often grapple with myriad distractions, Tiara Thankam Abraham stands as a beacon of inspiration, a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.