From this little Jazz Baby... to now!

Help Lizzy attend the Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Jazz Program.

She’s a gifted young jazz vocalist, accepted into one of the top programs in the country — and we need help covering tuition.

I’m a single mom and teacher trying to give my daughter, Lizzy, the chance of a lifetime. She was just accepted into the Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Jazz Program — and we’re humbly asking for help covering tuition so she can follow her dream.

About Lizzy

From the time Lizzy was six, she’s had a spark — always singing, performing, and expressing herself through music. My mom saw that early and gifted her a spot at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts. That one gift lit a fire in her that’s never gone out. You can see her onstage from that year... the passion is clear!

We couldn’t afford private lessons, so for years we learned together — through YouTube videos, home musicals, and late-night singing sessions. I was battling cancer during that time and couldn’t work consistently. When COVID hit, we kept performing at home, keeping her passion alive.

Then my father’s health declined, and I became his full-time caregiver. For over a year, I couldn’t work while he needed 24/7 care. When he passed, I finally returned to work — but I was deep in debt. Everything had gone onto credit cards, and my first couple of years back at work went to paying that down.

I’m now a full-time teacher at a private school with a very modest income. I teach extra classes just to afford Lizzy’s incredible voice teacher, who has helped her grow by leaps and bounds.

She’s fallen in love with jazz — first through Sarah Vaughan, then exploring the greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Etta James, Dakota Staton, Carmen McRae, and even rising artists like Kate Kortum.

Hear Lizzy’s Voice for Yourself:

In addition to singing and performing Lizzy began writing music in middle school — and though her early work wasn’t jazz, it laid the emotional groundwork for what came next. Today, she’s evolved into a passionate jazz vocalist, songwriter, and developing pianist.

Black Coffee 2024 (live in a jazz club in Rome — “Marry me!” shout!): Watch on YouTube

Velma Kelly in Chicago 2025– All That Jazz: Watch on YouTube

Open jam at Small’s Jazz Club, NYC 2024: Watch on YouTube

Label 2021 (8th grade original): Watch on YouTube

Vision 2021 (9th grade original): Watch on YouTube

Only When I’m Gone 2025 (latest original w/ jazz elements & piano): Watch on YouTube

What We’re Asking

We are trying to raise $15,000 to cover the full cost of tuition for the year at Manhattan School of Music. Every dollar will go toward her education — not just for the music, but for the confidence, opportunity, and foundation it will give her for life.

If you’ve ever believed in the power of music, the determination of a child, or the love of a mother — we’d be grateful for anything you can give.

Even if you can’t donate, simply sharing this campaign could make all the difference.

With love and gratitude,

Karen (and Lizzy )

Special Thank-You for Donors:

If you donate $50 or more, Lizzy will record a short video singing a song of your choice (or one from her jazz favorites list!). It’s our way of saying thank you for believing in her voice and her dream.