Can I retrieve files off my MacBook Air that has crashed (White screen flashing folder)?

Besides a few freezes here and there, my MacBook Air has worked fine. However when I opened it the other day, It wouldn't power on. I pressed the power button a few times, and it finally powered on with a completely white screen. I powered it off and on a few times but nothing changed. I figured if I let the battery die, maybe it would work when I charged it again. I left the screen open, but after 10 min, a flashing folder with a question mark popped up, And it's been flashing ever sense. I took it to apple, they said it was a software issue. They plugged it into a g-drive to reinstall, along with other cords and got their apple account up, although none of my information showed up. They said the Mac forgot its software, and nothing of mine would show. They said I have to replace the lap top and gave me prices/options. I never got my question fully answered on if I can retrieve my photos, notes, garage band, music, etc. I left apple with out any trade. Does anyone know of any way I can get my pictures, music, voice memos, and notes, back? I'm desperate and have lots of important stuff that I can't access. I'm also losing work not having access to my computer. But I'm not trading it in until I try/or know there is no way to get my stuff back. I will pay anything to get my stuff back! I honestly would rather have my stuff then the computer. And just get a new one. Any advice will help. Thanks!

a flashing folder with a question mark popped up,
Can mean that your Mac can't find a system folder to boot from.
Try restarting while holding down the Option key. That should prompt the Startup Manager window where you can select the startup disk and restart.
Startup Manager: How to select a startup volume
If the disk is not available, then it's failing or has failed.
If you did not backup your important files, an alternative would be data recovery but it's expensive.
One suggestion > Data Recovery by DriveSavers

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