For me, the viola isn’t just an instrument. It is a voice I’ve spent years learning to shape, refine, and trust. I’m a recent high school graduate taking a gap year to prepare for conservatory auditions on the viola. Music has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s become not just a passion, but a lifelong path I’m excited to pursue professionally. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of performing in the Florida All-State Orchestra (2022–23) and the New World Symphony’s Side-by-Side program as Principal Violist (2023–24), and of attending the Rushmore Music Festival as a Fellow for four summers. In 2025, I was honored to be part of the Emerging Artist Quartet-in-Residence at RMF, where I performed Schubert’s Quartet in G Major and collaborated with faculty and guest artists in a full summer of chamber music and outreach.
 My musical training has been shaped by the guidance of Dr. Brett Walfish and Dr. Katie Smirnova, and by chamber music mentorship from Dr. Ismar Gomes, Dr. Patrick Yim, and Dr. Minna Rose Chung. I was also deeply influenced by my time at the Dillard High School Center for the Arts, where I studied under Sebastian Fernandez, who played a pivotal role in shaping my love of music and laying the foundation for my musical artistry.
 I had planned to apply to college programs last year, but a benign tumor developed on my left pinky—the finger most essential for intonation and agility on the viola. Playing became extremely painful, and I risked breaking my finger if I pushed through the pain. I underwent surgery in August and had to make the difficult decision to delay my auditions.
 Now fully recovered, I’m using this year to prepare for applications to top music programs like Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, the New England Conservatory, and Juilliard. I’ve been studying major solo repertoire such as the Walton Viola Concerto, Bach’s D Minor Suite, the Bowen Viola Concerto, and the Stamitz Concerto, and I’m more motivated than ever to grow as an artist.
 I’m currently playing on a borrowed viola, which has been a faithful partner, however I’ve outgrown it technically and musically. To continue at a competitive level, I need a professional-quality viola that can meet the demands of college auditions, conservatory study, and a future career in music.
 Your support doesn’t just buy an instrument, it helps launch a career. It gives me the tools I need to succeed in auditions, conservatory training, and ultimately a life in music. My final goal is to raise $20,000 to purchase a viola that will carry me through the next stage of my journey and into a professional career.
 Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. If you’d like to hear me play, here is a link to some of my recent performances: •<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/CzxTuSYZG_k?si=Vzz2BeOCvpyTyRgB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/CzxTuSYZG_k?si=Vzz2BeOCvpyTyRgB" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/live/CzxTuSYZG_k?si=Vzz2BeOCvpyTyRgB</a></a> (17:54) •<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/w2rSiGjC1-w?si=03B99NqA0W-6B4bl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/w2rSiGjC1-w?si=03B99NqA0W-6B4bl" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/live/w2rSiGjC1-w?si=03B99NqA0W-6B4bl</a></a> (20:41)  If you’re not in a place to give, sharing this campaign with others means just as much. Thank you for being part of my journey.
 With gratitude,
   Gianna Beckford

Tamyka Josephs

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Support Gianna in Purchasing a Professional Viola

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Support Gianna in Purchasing a Professional Viola

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