Support Gregory's Viola Dream

Hi, my name is Gregory Moix. I am an 18 year old headed off to college to pursue my dream as a professional violist. I started playing in 6th grade and quickly found myself seeking and looking forward to the advise of a professional musician, thankfully my parents have supported this dream and were able to buy an instrument that could last through college. While playing my current viola, I started to develop a serious injury in my hand that almost lead to carpal tunnel. I looked for help to solve this from my long time private teacher (and great friend) who is a professional Violist and has played for a number of orchestras around the country. It was at that moment when she let me try her viola. She realized that I have been growing all throughout High School and had been using the same instrument. When I played it, I knew that this instrument was the one for me.

This viola is a 17 inch Tertis model viola made in 1951 by a renown luthier by the last name of Richardson. Before it belonged to my private teacher, it belonged to the principal violist of the Utah Symphony. When playing this viola, I noticed it was easier as it fit my body much better than my current viola due to the increase in size. I am 6'4 and have a 6'3 wing span. My current viola could not adapt to my size the way this viola could. So, when I started to play "Richard" my pains seemed to start going away. This viola is not only a perfect fit, but also produces an absolutely incredible sound; it seems to fill every room I play it in with a warm and rich sound that captivates me every time I play it.

I was recently accepted to a very prestigious music school where I know there will be a lot of competition. As I prepare for college and look further ahead to my future as a professional Violist, I realized I will need all the support possible. Not only financially but in the form of the right instrument that can give me the ability to be competitive in an environment full of other musicians that come from bigger cities with more opportunities and better instruments.

Unfortunately, the instrument is now too big for Sharon and she is no longer physically able to play it due to its size. If we can't raise enough money, Sharon will have to put the instrument up for auction. Every donation made will go towards the amount needed to buy this instrument.

Below is a link of me playing the viola.

Thank you all for your support!