Pianist Gadeer Abeidoh needs to raise $52,000 a year to continue at prestigious music school in the United States
Dubai: Self-taught Palestinian pianist Gadeer Abeidoh may have to defer from Berklee music school in the United States, because of a lack of funding.
Although the 19-year-old piano virtuoso, who learned to read music at the age of five, won a partial scholarship to attend Berklee, one of the top music schools in the world, she is unable to fund the course, which lasts three to four years, herself.
Since Gulf News first interviewed Gadeer last month, she has managed to raise only Dh44,000 to pay for her living expenses and the remainder of her school fees.
"It's much more than I'd expected, but sadly I haven't found an official sponsor, someone who's willing to sign the affidavit of support," she told Gulf News.
At Berklee there are two semesters per year, each costing $16,000 (Dh58,769). The partial scholarship gives Gadeer a discount of $8,000 (Dh29,384) a year.
However, with her living costs included, she estimates the total amount she needs to raise is $52,000 (Dh191,000) a year.
Now, with the funding seeming unlikely, Gadeer is considering having to defer her studies.
According to Berklee rules, students are allowed to defer their studies by up to a year after the semester they were accepted for.
However, despite being disappointed that her dream may not be realised this year, the modest young musician is philosophical about her situation.
Appreciation
"When you have an opportunity like that and the support of so many people who dedicate their time and efforts to help you; you don't nitpick or complain, you show your appreciation and follow your bliss," she said.
"I'm fortunate enough to actually have a shot at fulfilling my dream, if time is what it takes for [my dream] to become a reality, then I will wait."
Gadeer's father is a percussion teacher in Dubai and also plays the oud.
He is currently helping her put together a programme of classical and oriental music that will hopefully be out by Ramadan, to keep her musical talent fresh
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