A young Jersey drummer has launched a £155,000 fundraising appeal to help him complete his studies at one of the world’s leading music institutions.
Matt Jackson has completed his first year at Berklee College of Music in Boston, after earning a place at the renowned American university.
Despite maintaining a 4.0 GPA during his first year, the 18-year-old now faces the challenge of funding the remainder of his degree, with annual tuition and living costs amounting to around £62,000.
Having already applied for financial aid and scholarships, the young musician said restrictions attached to his US student visa mean he is unable to work off-campus, leaving him reliant on external support while studying in Boston.
His next payment to Berklee is due on 1 August, and he hopes to build enough support before then to allow him to return for his second year.
Home educated throughout his childhood, Matt largely taught himself music using online resources and developed a passion for drumming from an early age.
Before owning a drum kit, he would drum on a yellow sofa at home and, even after his mother bought him a guitar, he preferred using it to tap out rhythms.
Without access to traditional music pathways, YouTube became his classroom, where he learned from some of the world’s leading drummers.
“Meaningful things are worth working for”
Matt explained he began to dream of one day attending Berklee College of Music, where many of his heroes had trained.
He explained that his father has lived with multiple sclerosis for much of his life, while his mother raised and home educated three boys while building a business.
Matt said watching both of his parents work tirelessly taught him that “meaningful things are worth working for”.
After performing across Jersey, Guernsey and France, Matt established himself as one of the island’s most promising young musicians.
He won Best Instrumentalist at the Jersey Music Association Battle of the Bands and achieved Grade 8 Drums with Distinction.
He later reached the final of the Jersey Young Musician of the Year competition and, in 2025, became the first winner of Jersey’s Contemporary Young Musician of the Year title.
Matt said he was “stunned” when he was accepted to Berklee, but despite receiving no scholarship support, he and his family decided to seize the opportunity.
“One of the most promising drummers [Jersey] have ever produced”
During his first year in Boston, he had the opportunity to learn from acclaimed musicians.
His progress has also attracted praise from both internationally renowned musicians and members of Berklee’s faculty.
Internationally acclaimed cellist Gerard Le Feuvre described Matt as “one of the most promising drummers we have ever produced”, saying it would be “heartbreaking” if financial pressures prevented him from completing his studies.
Mr Le Feuvre, who built an international career after receiving scholarship support early in life, said he hoped the generosity that had helped launch his own career might now be extended to the young musician.
Meanwhile, Berklee assistant professor of percussion Blaize Collard praised Matt’s work ethic, professionalism and humility, saying there was “confidence but no arrogance” and “skill but no ego”.
He added that the drummer’s passion for growth was “infectious” and said he looked forward to seeing where his musical journey would take him.
“This opportunity has already changed my life”
To help cover tuition fees and living expenses across the remaining three years of his degree, Matt has launched a campaign with the aim of raising £155,000.
He has also launched a “50 Days – Back to Berklee Challenge” on his Instagram account, sharing daily updates from his journey along with drum tips and insights.
He said: “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, bringing enjoyment, connection, creativity and inspiration to others.
“From a yellow sofa in Jersey to Berklee College of Music in Boston, this opportunity has already changed my life. With support, I hope it will only be the beginning.”
DONATE…
You can donate to Matt’s fundraiser here.
