The violin is difficult enough to learn.  Trying to learn and improve without the benefit of a teacher is a daunting task indeed.  I wouldn’t say it is impossible, but  without a teacher it is not efficient or optimal and bad habits are sure to form.  I have been back at the violin now for almost two years and since September I have been going it alone without a teacher.  Until now I have felt engaged and challenged, but aware enough of areas to work on and things to do …

After practicing for three or four weeks from the first day I touched my violin in twenty years it became abundantly clear that I needed some professional help.   It took me another couple weeks at least to get the nerve up to ask our orchestra teacher if she would be willing to give me a few lessons.  I was so nervous when asking, “do you think you could give me some lessons.”  Why would anybody want to teach an adult with little hope of achieving anything?  Wouldn’t it just be …