Mercedes' Tuition Drive

Dear friends and family,

 
As some of you know, last year I was presented with the opportunity to attend Berklee College of Music, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. My friend Scott Stoll encouraged me to apply, in part because Boston – where Berklee is located – would be a better launching pad for an independent musician than Antigua.

To my surprise, I was accepted, and received a substantial scholarship from the school. With the funds from the school, help of several generous sponsors in the US, and a generous contribution from my parents, I was able to enroll last year. In January of 2020, I moved to the United States, staying at the Boston home of two friends, the Kossoy Sisters, folk-music legends who spend most of the year in Antigua. When I left home for Berklee, the plan was to spend a few years in the United States, but the pandemic cut that time short. Since then, I have been attending the school remotely, and have found it to be surprisingly helpful.

Though the original plan was to be in Boston, I’ve learned that the real value of the school is access to the world-class, top-notch faculty. Through those contacts, I’ve learned more about music, and the music business, in the past year than I did in the previous decade on my own. In particular, I’ve developed valuable contacts and mentorships in the songwriting department. One faculty member in particular, Bonnie Hayes, the Chair of the Songwriting Department who has written hits for Cher, Bonnie Raitt and others, has asked me to represent Berklee at an upcoming showcase in February. On the business side, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from, the tour managers for Lady Gaga, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. All of this has convinced me that even with the challenges of the pandemic and remote learning, attending Berklee from my home in Antigua in the Spring of 2021 is absolutely worth the effort.

 
Which brings me to the point of this letter: I need help.
 
At the moment, with the help of the scholarship and sponsors, I have $15,300, but the full cost for the upcoming semester is $22,180, which means that we’ve got $7,471 to go ($6,880 + 8% of Gofundme comission + processing fees)
Note: (The final number is subject to change, as some donors make/have made offline donations directly to Berklee, bringing down the total amount, as won't have to incur in extra fees for those donations).
 
As I think you all know, I’d rather be doing anything than coming to you with hat in hand for help, particularly during an emergency when I know that everyone is cutting corners to get by. Still, if it’s within your means to help me achieve this goal, I would be so very thankful. If you'd prefer to make a donation directly to Berklee under my name (student ID 0871267), that works well too. My very strong sense is that I’m on the cusp of breaking through in this business as an artist, a performer, and a songwriter.


I just need some help to achieve these lifelong dreams.

 
Thanks.

Mercedes

P.S. You'll note that my best friend Michael Tallon is listed as the organizer of this fundraising drive. That's because GoFundMe doesn't work in Guatemala. Most of you know Mike well, and will understand that we are doing this together.