From busking to Harvard - Help Jess purchase a viola

Growing up, I could not have imagined the immense impact that playing classical music would have on my life.

I took up the violin at age seven and despite being unable to play to an acceptable public standard, my siblings and I started busking to fund our music lessons, sporting endeavors and school fees. This was not necessarily a choice: the financial situation of my parents meant that if we wanted to partake in extracurricular activities, we had to contribute.

I became properly serious about violin at the age of 15, and by this time the busking ‘cute factor’ had well and truly worn off. It is only through various grants and generous teachers that I have been able to continue my love for violin - now viola! - and above all, performing.

In August, I'm off to Boston to begin my undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where I hope to play in the orchestra. Unfortunately, the beautiful viola that I'm currently playing will not be able to come with me unless I can purchase it.

The problem with good instruments is that they are expensive; the asking price for this particular viola is far out of my reach. So, I have decided to fundraise.

I'm holding a concert in conjunction with this page, and any donation that can be provided is deeply appreciated.