College fund pulled by dad--how to jumpstart?

[AnnieB]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums, but  after listening to Michael say what brilliant thinkers I would find here, I decided to post my dilemma.

My son was one of just 800 students accepted to Berklee College of Music (the Juilliard of jazz and rock) from among over 20,000 applicants.  His father, from whom I divorced many years ago, agreed to offer financial support in the amount of $7000, which is exactly what he needed after adding my financial support and that of several merit scholarships, grants and government loans.

My ex announced last week that he felt our son should be attending a regular university (he went to Dartmouth) and thus, had decided to withdraw his financial support.

I absolutely cannot afford anymore than what I've already committed to and so my son and I sat down and worked out strategic plans based on several scenarious: 1) he defers enrollment until spring 2009, 2) he defers enrollment until Fall 2009 and 3) (the longshot), he secures additional funding now.

We have pretty much figured out a way for him to work for a few weeks at a variety of restaurants he has been involved with, the money from which will allow him to at least move to Boston, get settled in his waiter's job (which he will have all through school), and save up for the spring semester.

But I keep wondering...is there something I've missed?

We have really exhausted every government loan avenue, and I'm now furiously re-researching grants from stakeholders, such as recording labels and top musical acts. This morning, I FEDEXed a letter and demo of my son's music to the foundation set up by The Black Eyed Peas. That's kind of where my brain is.

Any ideas out there?

I really appreciate your taking the time to read this.

[Jen Waller]

Hi Annie,

First of all welcome, and flattery will get you everywhere

I don't know if you are a member of Michael's solution cafe or hayhouse radio wisdom community. If so, check out a recording called the 90 day money game - I suspect that may spark a few extra ideas, with regards to what people would love to give you money for.

We've just had a bank holiday here in the UK so its quite likely that a percentage of the normal readership here are away so do keep checking back. As you specifically asked for ideas, I'll start the ball rolling with the first 5 as others drift in.:
Is there anything musically based your son could do to raise funds?
Depending upon his style of music - could he let it be known that his playing is for hire to accompany a special event, be it a wedding proposal or birthday etc?
Could he offer an introduction to .... style classes?
Are there any local business' who would consider sponsorship, maybe a bar/club etc where your son could agree to perform x amount of times and participate in various publicity stories.
Is there some smaller individual sponsorship idea - there's no reason why the 7000 has to come from one source $1 from 7000 people gets you to the same result.


Do keep us updated

Jen

[marksherwood]

HI,

Interesting posts,

Has your son considered busking (as a short term income) ?

Cheers,

Mark

[aniinl]

Unfortunately I don't know what "busking" is  - so at the risk of suggesting the same thing - I was thinking of street music when I saw your post.

It's not everybodies cup of tea, I guess, but on the other hand the sooner he gets used to an audience, the better, or not? 

If he sits at a very busy place, every day at the same time, with a board that shows the score ($ 6,742 to go until I can enroll...) he will definitely attract attention and money. He will also attract the newspapers, which will want an interview (for money? ) and in which his dad can then read why his son had to play for money on the street in the first place... 

Anja

[AnnieB]

Well, as suspected, there were some great suggestions.

And yes, I am dying to know what "busking" is as well. I spent one of the best years of my life in the UK, but am unfamiliar with this term.

At any rate, I wanted to give you all an update: After creating a strategic plan that did not involve any money from his father, Torin spent the last two weeks taking every restaurant job he could. He has tremendous experience as a server in a fine dining establishment, but he was not above cleaning the toilets to rake in some extra cash.

He made a little over $1100 in ten days by serving food, bartending, giving guitar lessons, and teaching surfing    to a youth group for a week. I was able to get him (as well as his upright bass instrument) seats on a Jet Blue red eye and he landed in Boston Sunday morning. By starting Michael's 90-Day Money Game, I was able to suddenly bring in about $1000, which I turned over to Torin for his rent.

He has managed to work with a school financial counselor (pleading in person is far better than doing so over the phone). And the bottom line? The school agreed to give him a bit more financial aid, giving him some breathing room to find more grants.

He called me this morning after leaving his first orientation and the joy coming over the telephone line nearly caused a fire! He is so excited, so enthusiastic, and the only thought is his mind is of success!

I can learn a lot from him.

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions.

Busking, anybody? 

[Jen Waller]

That's fantastic news, congratulations both of you 

OK let me see if I can give a definition of busking. It's basically just another term for street performance with the aim of getting donations from onlookers/passing people. Thinking about it its a term that is usually used specifically for musical performances rather than things like human statues.

Thanks for the update 

[marksherwood]

Hi all,

Fantastic news Annie !

As for busking,

When you spent a year in the UK, if you ever travelled on the tube in (or under ?) London, then you will have experienced 'busking'

As Jen has already said, it is street performing. Originaly musically biased, but now extending out to all sorts of performances.

An instrument and an upturned hat / cap is all thats needed.

 

Cheers,

Mark

[Tomwalked]

.


I'm Really really happy for you!


.

[Michael Neill]

Hey, Annie -

This is a wonderful thing - I'm delighted to hear your story!

love,
michael