I have been playing the violin for as long as I can remember -- some of my earliest memories are tied to it. I have changed very few teachers -- for the number of years I have been playing -- but have still experienced very different styles and methods of teaching.

I never really thought of becoming a teacher until I graduated from high school and realised it was the easiest thing for me to do as a part-time job. What started out as a fairly easy and non-time consuming way to earn some pocket money, quickly became more than that, and a very important part of my life.

I have always had an interest and rapport with young children -- as my mum puts it, I am a "born mother" -- and this turned out to be a way for me to interact with them, and teach them my love of music, and specifically the violin. Remembering all too well what it was llike to be a violin student -- in fact, I still am one! -- I have strived to not make the same mistakes my teachers made with me, have definitely made some new ones of my very own along the way, and my main focus in teaching has been to make my students love music, and enjoy playing the violin.

It is only too easy for a child to hate having music lessons -- either because they were forced upon him/her, or because he/she doesn't feel like practising and would rather play, or even because the parents pressure them too much. Especially regarding the last reason, there is a fine line that must not be crossed, and it is very difficult to maintain the balance. A child who is not pressured at all, will rarely practise on his/her own. However, too much pressure will often lead to unwanted results, i.e. the child will resent music, and will eventually give up.

I have tried to help my students over the years to love music first and foremost. I have had students who have quit, and have had others that have persevered, and whom I'm very proud of. Hopefully, I will have the chance to continue teaching in the present and future.