A personal thank you from Dexter’s mom [watch here].
My son, Dexter Birkenbeuel, is a gifted jazz pianist entering his final year at a respected music conservatory in New York City. But without urgent financial support, he will be forced to drop out. His scholarship was unexpectedly reduced. I recently lost a major creative contract that helped fund his education.
"Beatrice" by Sam Rivers performed by Dexter Birkenbeuel. Watch video here https://youtu.be/JiZSRWjAYBw?si=UF34Tt5odURk3gMQ
Original composition "C Blues" by Dexter Birkenbeuel. Watch video here https://youtu.be/GQBQDR-oGQE?si=CFU7HEDq7PgbpEBj
Jazz is America’s original art form, born from the genius of Black musicians in New Orleans. Fewer and fewer young Black students are studying or performing jazz today. Dexter is part of a generation determined to keep this art alive—and I feel he’s doing it brilliantly. He switched from classical piano to jazz in high school, and since then he’s never looked back.
Listen to Dexter perform his original composition
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Dexter has a 3.0 GPA, and after a rocky freshman year during the pandemic, he’s consistently earned high grades. He recently earned a music mentorship through Power2Inspire and continues to impress mentors, musicians, and audiences alike. He volunteers and mentors youth in NYC for arts exposure. He volunteers organ music performance at his Baptist Church almost every Sunday. Dexter also works in between his practicing, learning, classes, and studying as a freelance model to earn for his out of pocket music expenses. It's simply not enough.
Watch Dexter perform his original composition "Moonbeams" featuring singer Sarahfina Osei on YouTube Moonbeams here.
People believe in Dexter because they see his discipline, joy, and talent. I also believe that arts are the glue that keeps society and culture together. How many young people play jazz piano with consistency, grit, perseverance combined with love and joy that is evident when you hear Dexter perform? Everyone that hears Dexter play is mesmerized. Dexter will continue to bring joy to others that love music. In case you missed it, watch "Beatrice" composed by Sam Rivers performed here by Dexter.
Like many working-class parents, I’ve sacrificed nearly everything to get my children to this point. I own a creative agency where I’ve employed everyone including women, minorities, LGBTQIA+, and international talent. One of our long-standing creative contracts was recently cut—replaced by AI tools. That contract helped pay for Dexter’s tuition and housing. We’ve even tried to cancel his college housing contract to cut costs, but doing so would trigger penalties we can’t afford.
Dexter is one year away from earning his bachelor’s degree in jazz piano. I remember when I was in college, I'm shaking my head, it was just not this hard for me to get through.
If you can help—any amount, truly—it will go directly to Dexter’s tuition, housing, and remaining school costs. Help us get him to the finish line.
Thank you for reading, thank you for sharing, and thank you for believing in Dexter. He is the future of Jazz.
Follow Dexter’s journey on Instagram @Dexter.Piano
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