UPDATE 2.7.26

We have some very exciting news to share about Matt’s next step.

Matt has accepted the opportunity to be mentored for a full year by a highly respected professional drummer who is working at the very highest level of the music industry. This feels like a hugely personal and significant opportunity for him.

Because of this new direction, we have decided to close the fundraiser for Matt’s return to Berklee College of Music. If he returns to Berklee next year, we will seek sponsorship rather than fundraise again.

All funds already given will now go directly towards Matt’s year ahead — including mentoring, musical development, training, equipment, travel and the practical costs of pursuing this path with excellence.

We want to say the biggest thank you to everyone who has given, encouraged, shared, prayed, messaged, supported and believed in Matt. Your kindness has meant so much to him and to us as a family.

We completely understand that you may have given specifically towards Berklee. If you would prefer your donation to be refunded, please message us privately and we will of course arrange that.

This is not the end of the journey. It is an exciting new direction, and we genuinely believe it will be a very significant step for Matt.

Thank you for being part of Matt’s story.

P.S. if you would still like to financially support on his journey, please see the bank details below for direct tranfers ❤️

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Hi, my name is Matt Jackson, and I’m an 18-year-old drummer from Jersey, British Isles.

For as long as I can remember, drumming has been my life. Before I had a drum kit, I drummed on a yellow sofa in our house. When my mum bought me a guitar, I drummed on that too. Rhythm has always been the thing I naturally came back to.

Growing up homeschooled, I didn’t have the usual formal music pathways, so YouTube became my classroom. I learned from some of the world's best drummers and discovered musicians such as Matt Garstka and Larnell Lewis. When I learned that many of my heroes had attended Berklee College of Music, I wondered if I would ever be good enough to get there one day.

That question shaped my focus for the next few years of my life.

I performed across Jersey, France, and Guernsey, won Best Instrumentalist at the Jersey Music Association Battle of the Bands, achieved Grade 8 Drums with Distinction, became a finalist in Jersey Young Musician of the Year, and in 2025 became the first winner of Jersey’s Contemporary Young Musician of the Year competition.

When I applied to Berklee, I was stunned to be accepted. My family and I knew it would be a huge financial challenge, especially as I did not receive scholarship support, but we chose to take the opportunity. My father has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for much of my life, while my mother carried the responsibility of raising and homeeducating three boys while building a business. Throughout my childhood, I watched both of them work tirelessly. They taught me that meaningful things are worth working for.

My parents have sacrificed so much to help me get this far, and I arrived in Boston determined not to waste it.

My first year at Berklee exceeded everything I hoped for. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, earning all As, and have had opportunities I could only have dreamed of growing up in Jersey — learning from musicians such as Victor Wooten and Steve Jordan, performing, and being part of a creative community that feels like home.

Knowing that we could only finance one year, I have applied for financial aid, scholarships, campus roles, and every support option I can find. The reality is that I now need help to return. It costs around £62,000 a year - for the next 3 years.

My next payment to Berklee is due by 1st August. I am hoping to build enough monthly support before then to keep going.

Every gift matters. Whether it is a small monthly donation, a one-off gift, or simply sharing this campaign with someone who may be able to help, it all makes a difference.

My dream is not only to become a professional touring musician, but also to teach, mentor, create resources, and help other drummers grow. I want to build something meaningful through music to bring enjoyment, an emotional outlet, connection, healing, creativity and inspiration to thousands of people.

From a yellow sofa in Jersey to Berklee College of Music - Boston, this opportunity has already changed my life. With support, I hope it will only be the beginning.

Today, I am asking for help so that I can continue.

Thank you so much for reading, giving, sharing, and believing in me.

— Matt Jackson

ENDORSEMENT BY GERARD LE FEUVRE – Internationally Acclaimed Cellist

“I would like to draw attention to the prolifically talented Matt Jackson – one of the most promising drummers we have ever produced. Winning first price in our local Contemporary Young Musician of the year competition 2025, Matt went on to win a coveted place at the Berkeley College of Music in Boston US. He has completed his first year and is unable to continue without more support. Berkeley is as expensive as it is prestigious with a litany of famous musicians counting it as their springboard. To study there is quite a mountain to climb. It is quite heartbreaking that Matt will not be able to continue without more help. When I started out and needed help, I received many small gifts of support that added up to a wonderful practical and personal help, but it was when one person in particular stepped in with an overwhelmingly generous gift that my life was changed forever. It would be wonderful to see my story repeated in the life of Matt Jackson.”

Gerard Le Feuvre is one of the few people in history to win a scholarship to the Royal Academy in London with two different instruments. He also won scholarships and awards enabling him to study and perform as a Cellist across many parts of the globe receiving standing ovations throughout, and always expressing gratitude to an anonymous Jersey man who largely enabled him to flourish in his worldwide career.

WHAT BERKLEE FACULTY SAY

"In the short time I've known Matt, it has become crystal clear that he has an incredible work ethic for his age. This shows in his skills as a drummer, as well as in his professionalism and communication.He is incredibly friendly and easy to get along with, which makes it all the more exciting when he lets his ferocity shine through on the drums.

There is confidence but no arrogance, there is skill but no ego. Matt simply wants to push himself to be the best he can be, and that excitement for growth is infectious to those around him. He would be a great addition to any collaboration, and I look forward to seeing where his journey takes him."

— Blaize Collard

Assistant Professor, Percussion

Berklee College of Music

Note from parents Ivan and Anne:

Thank you so much for considering monthly financial partnership or one off donation for Matt. We are continuing to do what we can to keep Matt at Berklee too. It costs around £62,000 or $81,000 a year.

One off donations will help reduce the length of the monthly support.

It costs around £5,000 per month for 31 months to finish his studies, and we are hoping to secure the funding or pledge of funding by the 1st August.

Please remember to toggle between "monthly" or "one off" for the donation type you prefer.

Over 31 months this could look like:

1,000 people giving £5 monthly or £155 one off

500 people giving £10 monthly or £310 one off

100 people giving £50 monthly or £1550 one off

50 people giving £100 monthly or £3100 one off

25 people giving £200 monthly or £6200 one off

10 people giving £500 monthly or £15,500 one off

5 people giving £1,000 monthly or £31,000 one off

1 person giving £5000 monthly or £155,000 one off

1000 people giving $7/month or $200

500 people giving $13/month or $400

100 people giving $67/month or $2,100

50 people giving $133/month or $4,100

25 people giving $267/month or $8,300

10 people giving $667/month or $20,700

5 people giving $1,334/month or $41,400

1 person giving $6712/month or $208,000

His student visa means he cannot work off campus, so he is dependent on financial support while he is in the US.

Every donation will play a vital role in Matt's journey. Thank you so much!

You are welcome to remain anonymous or let us know who you are. ❤️

Breakdown of costs for the remaining years:

Tuition: £122,000

Maintenance: £28,000 left. £22,000 has already been found.

Insurance and Comprehensive fees: £5000

The funds for flights from Jersey to the US, and other smaller expenses have already been secured for the 3 years .

The goal amount will be adjusted accordingly as funds come in so you will be kept informed of the fund status and the fund account will be closed as soon as his costs are met, the total is reached, or in May 2029 when he is due to graduate - whichever comes first. This will automatically cancel all monthly payments for you.

If you would rather transfer funds directly:

Account name: JACKSON A & I Nickname Berklee

Sort Code: 98-04-30

Account number: 10040932

BIC: ULSBGB2B

IBAN: GB39ULSB98043010040932

If you do transfer directly, please donate something here (£5) on gofundme so you can receive the updates that we will post on Matt's journey here.