I have been studying violin for 12 years. Viola technique is nearly identical to... violin. I began in the summer before my 8th grade year and continued through high school. After that, I majored in music in college where I learned more than I could imagine from my violin instructor. I learned not only how to play the violin more beautifully and functionally, but how to practice in a mindful, productive, and healthy way. Practicing an instrument intentionally can perpetuate overall personal growth. After 3 years with that instructor, and an Associate's of Arts in Music degree, I went to the University of Wyoming to get a bachelor's degree. I was there for 2 years where I studied violin from another professor. He taught me a lot more about how the violin itself functions. There was also a time when I developed an injury in my wrist from playing. My professor helped me not only recover, but learn how to adjust my playing ever so slightly to avoid re-injury. I graduated with a Bachelor's of Music Education. From there, I taught music in public schools for 2 years. This experience helped me learn more about human development and learning. I was nurtured and taught by my supervisors how to maximize learning time and to differentiate and individualize instruction to meet every student's needs. I learned how social emotional skills can be taught through any lesson and I believe that one on one learning can maximize all skill building. read more