I'm left handed and learned to play violin 25 years ago - my daughter is also left handed and is learning now.

I had an 'Old School' teacher - many's the time I was told not to squeeze my oranges! She was very strict with posture and correct grips, so basically I had no option but to learn the correct way. However, I would try the other way round at home, just to see if it was more comfortable. In my experience, it was just as easy, and better in the long term to learn the correct way. It also means that if you join an orchestra, you won't have to relearn, in order to sit sociably with everyone else. The major problem I had was bow control. Had I started with a 1/2 size bow rather than a full size, I think I would have got on better. I would suggest using a shorter bow until the wrist is used to the action and the control is better.

My daughter seems to be coping, drop CatsPhiddle a PM - she's the teacher!

I'm very left handed (basically use my right when typing, to hold a book or work the windscreen wipers), and since an operation on it 8 years ago, I'm even more so now. I found playing the violin made me think more about using my right hand. It gave me better control with it, although it's never going to replace my dominant hand..... When no-one is in the house, I pick up Bratlings' violin and have a sneaky practice.....

LTS