Hello, my name is Harold Rivas! I am currently $25,000 short of studying at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and need your help in fulfilling my dreams to become a professional timpanist, orchestral conductor and film director. Music has been in my blood since my birth. My father is a professional pianist and ensemble director who taught me music at an early age. My mother was my first academics teacher, sharing her love for school with me from an early age. I have earned several awards throughout my school years, and since 2nd Grade, I have been selected as a Gifted Student, earning all A’s in my grade reports, as well as medals for being a good citizen and upholding perfect attendance. I feel grateful for my parents and their teachings. I also feel blessed to share the gift of music with my family. We have a band called El Grupo H. I am a multi-instrumentalist (percussion, piano, guitar, trombone, violin, electric bass), singer-songwriter, composer, and arranger. I have participated and won the Miami International Festival of the Arts Composition Competition twice (2018, 2019) for Best Student Composition at Miami Dade College. I feel honored to have been accepted by The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, given that this institution is world-renowned for their tireless search for talented musicians from around the world. I am excited to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Music performance at this prestigious conservatory. I need financial support to fund my tuition and other fees. I was one of the recipients of the Conservatory’s scholarship, but it does not fully cover my studies. My parents planned on helping me, but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their small family business has been closed since March.

I had the opportunity of studying at New World School of the Arts, and later transitioned to home-schooling and Dual Enrollment, through which I completed high school and an Associates in Arts of Music Performance from Miami Dade College. During my time as a Dual Enrollment student, I had the opportunity of studying and performing with the South Florida Youth Symphony and the symphony orchestras of Miami Dade College and Florida International University, institutions in which I completed my coursework. Additionally, I was selected for the All-Florida Academic Team (the top 100 graduating students of the state), and was awarded a medallion in recognition of my academic achievement and community service. I have always dreamed of studying at high-level universities until earning a Doctorate degree in Music in Vienna, where many of the world’s greatest composers have lived and triumphed. Upon becoming a successful director, I would love to establish a scholarship program to provide assistance for talented students who are passionate about succeeding academically and musically. I have had the opportunity to volunteer with my family on various charity missions. Our foundation, The Rivas Perdomo Family Foundation, Inc., has provided school supplies, clothes, toys, instruments and music performance to needy children for over 15 years. 

Please share my story and help me reach my goal of studying at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee; I am still $25,000 short. In advance, thank you for your support; any amount will be greatly appreciated!