
Support Dennis's Berklee College of Music Dream
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Hi, I'm Colleen Kielton, the very proud mother of Dennis Kielton. I'm inviting you to support Dennis in his efforts to develop his musical prowess and to let him know that his recovery matters.
Here is Dennis's Berkless Audition Video: https://youtu.be/fXKNTR_ZEpM?si=JoM-jz1K5j_X-i3U
Dennis struggled for many years, overcoming horrendous obstacles: his father's attempted suicide when he was twelve years old, the passing of his dear grandmother shortly afterward, his parent's awful divorce, and over a decade-long opiate addiction, we suspect he is on the autism spectrum, and just this month, his father's passing.
While considering which direction to take for his future, Dennis explored many options. I encouraged him to be true to his soul. It was several months, if not a few years, before he decidedly stated, "I am a musician and want to lift the world with my music." He had played in several bands with his inexpensive guitar, then invested in himself and bought an 8-string Stanberg and other necessary equipment with money earned from installing flooring. He then wanted to teach guitar lessons, and he was hired at Guitar Center to do just that and has grown tremendously in that position. He has fulfilled his dream of becoming a full-time musician.
Dennis knew he wanted to continue his education but needed to figure out where. I encouraged him to seek as if there were no boundaries and choose the best school for what he wanted to accomplish. After months of combing the educational options, he chose the prestigious Berklee College of Music, applied, and was ACCEPTED!
His acceptance is provisional because of his high school grades. (He tested out of high school English in 6th Grade when we homeschooled, so we know he is off the charts in the smarts department.) He must pay for one class and complete it to gain full admission status. Then, he can apply for student loans. I believe that Dennis will be very successful. He works harder than anyone I know. Now, his work ethic is aligned with his passion and talent. Dennis Kielton will be unstoppable, contribute significantly to the music industry, and help many others find their way out of addiction and into authentic and productive lives. Berklee College of Music has a music therapy program through which Dennis will be sure to equip himself with more ways to help others recover.
I appreciate your support in Dennis's endeavor to develop his talent and improve the world. I could not be more proud of him and can't begin to imagine where Berklee will take him.
Dennis has often felt alone on his journey but reached beyond himself and pushed through all the dark times to reach this point. Your support right now will boost Dennis beyond helping him pay for his first class at Berklee. Knowing people care will keep him going when the schooling gets intense.
Again, with all of my heart, THANK YOU.
Colleen
Total off-campus/on-campus costs to earn a degree at Berklee: $76,148.94. The first class is approximately $1500; I set the target at $2000, so he has a little extra for other expenses.
Organizer

Colleen Kielton
Organizer
South Bend, IN