Alex is going to massage school!

Hi friends,

The short story: I’m taking some time away from singing in order to become a licensed massage therapist! I’m enrolling in an excellent 20-month program in New York, and doing a specialized training in Thailand to learn Thai Massage as well. I'm hoping to raise $10,200 to help me cover the initial costs of my first term. The full tuition cost of the degree is approximately $45,000, not including living expenses.

For more detailed context:

As health, physiology, and movement are integral to all performers, I’ve always had a keen interest in these and other health-related subjects. I also see how healthy movement is vitally important for everyone, regardless of profession. Massage is not only something I very much enjoy, but it is also a fantastic combination of my skills, knowledge, and interests - one that will allow me to continue to follow my passions, and be in service to people in a new way.

My full plan is that I’m going to Thailand this January for a 60-hour intensive course on Thai Massage. It’s an amazing modality that includes very specific stretching and movement while working acupressure points in order to free the muscles and joints. I’ll then come back to NYC and enroll full time at the New York campus of Pacific College of Health and Science in May. The 1,250-hour degree will take 20 months, which I’ll complete in December 2026.

By the time acquire my license I’ll have solid medical training related to different styles of massage - including Sports Massage - and be certified in Thai Massage. I believe this whole package will put me in a unique position to treat performers (especially singers and dancers) and athletes with work-related physical problems. I’ll also be qualified to work in high-end spas or medical offices for specialized treatments. Once I’m done, I can also resume any singing engagements that come my way.

I’m very excited about this whole process. The cost is daunting though, and that’s why I am humbly asking for some help from my community. Tuition alone (not including living expenses) will cost me around $45,000 in total. I certainly intend to pursue any grants or scholarships that I may qualify for, so if any of you know of resources or foundations that may consider assisting me, please let me know!

In the meantime, I’m asking for some help with the initial expenses of $10,200 to get started on my journey. Funding will help me cover my program in Thailand (approximately $2,200 including housing/airfare), and with the costs of my first term at Pacific College (around $8,000 including books/materials). Funds raised will be deposited into a special account earmarked for these expenses. If I am able to raise more than I need for this first term, funds will be saved for tuition costs of the following terms.

If you are in a position to help, I would be so grateful - any contribution will be very much appreciated. While there is no minimum amount I’m requesting, there is also no maximum! :) And if you’re not able to help, that’s totally okay as well - feel free to send this on to anyone you know who may be interested.

Thanks very much for reading, and thank you for your support - financial or otherwise.

With love,

Alex