Keep Cooper's Music Education Alive

Hi, my name is Tess, and I’m raising funds to help cover my son Cooper’s remaining tuition balance of $9,680 for his music education at Mannes Prep in New York City.

I’ve always found ways to make his lessons work, even when things were tight, taking on side work, participating in research studies, and budgeting carefully. But this year has been by far the most challenging.

I was in between job from December to March. Thankfully, I'm now in a position I love, but I wasn’t expecting to have to manage so much on my own. Cooper’s father also lost his job, which meant I suddenly became the only one able to cover our living expenses and his educational needs. We had to move to a more affordable place, and I used my tax return to cover the deposit and relocation costs. Around the same time, my car broke down and I had to take out a loan just to replace it.

Now I’m managing everything - rent, bills, transportation, loan payments, and Cooper’s school and extracurriculars - completely on my own. I’ve stretched every resource I have, but I can’t close the gap without help.

Cooper is an amazing kid who happens to have ADHD, anxiety, and some sensory challenges, and music has been the most grounding and transformative force in his life. It’s helped him grow in ways that therapy couldn’t, and it’s been central to his emotional and personal development. He studies at Mannes Prep and has twice been selected for the Clara Mannes Scholars Program, a merit-based recognition given to students who show deep talent and dedication.

I’m doing everything I can to make sure he doesn’t lose this opportunity. If I can clear the balance and secure his place for the fall, I’m confident I’ll be in a better position moving forward. Your support would help carry us through this rough patch and ensure that Cooper can continue on a path that means everything to him, and to me.

Thank you for reading and for considering a contribution. Take a moment to view: Videos of Cooper Performing