THE SOPRANO
Meet Rashida
Rashida Ashley is a New York-based soprano, recording artist, and multidisciplinary performer who initially taught herself the art of opera. Her journey led her to study under Dr. Kathleen Adams at NYU Steinhardt and later at the 2024 Queens Summer Vocal Institute with esteemed faculty such as Dr. Sherry Overholt and Peter Randsman. Spanning a repertoire from Puccini to Britten, Rashida has graced stages at Columbia University’s Paul Robeson Conference and the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival. A true visionary, she also produced her own three-month opera series at Q.E.D Astoria, cementing her place as a powerful voice in the contemporary arts landscape.
Artistic Repertoire
Selected works from the classical and American song traditions.
Caro Mio Ben
Bel Piacere
Elle a fui, la tourterelle
The Black Swan
Summertime
Chanson d’amour
Vissi d’arte
Work With Me
I create work at the intersection of opera, soul, and story. Whether you are looking for a live performance, a hybrid program for a university or conference, or guidance for your own creative journey, every collaboration is rooted in presence, excellence, and reciprocal connection.
Offerings
- Live Performance – opera, original music, and hybrid sets
- University & Conference Programming
- Pop-Up Opera Experiences
- The Creative’s Journey digital workbook ($19)
- Creative Consultation (limited availability)
Selected Credits
Columbia University Paul Robeson Conference
Buffalo Juneteenth Festival
Queens Summer Vocal Institute
“The Voice as Altar” – Solo Opera Series, Q.E.D. Astoria
Gladys Books & Wine Grand Opening
Limited Live Recording Performances
100 Suits
What People Are Saying
“Rashida Ashley participated in my summer vocal institute for the last two summers. She has a very pretty, highly functional soprano voice. Her voice is clear in timbre and agility. She has good intonation and range. As a singer she has limitless potential...”
— Dr. Sherry Overholt, DMA, Director of Vocal and Opera Studies, Queens College / Yale
“Rashida, you gave a phenomenal performance that connected the arts to the history of social movements and political resistance. Thank you for being a part of this year’s conference.”
— Lyndon DeFoe, Organizer, Columbia University Paul Robeson Conference
"I really don't have the words to express or describe how much your performance meant to me and the ladies. You were just what we needed to lift our spirits. This is just the beginning of the journey of great things.”
— Adonica Brereton, 100 Suits