To add to what Capt. Birdseye said, poor technique (not holding the violin/fiddle correctly, poor posture, etc.) can lead to physical injury and not being able to play at all. For example many old-time fiddlers develop carpal tunnel syndrome in their left had from bending their wrist back to hold the fiddle with their arm rather than with their chin. So learning good technique is important. James Kelly, one of the best Irish fiddlers, makes this a strong point in his workshops.

Cheers, S. in Seattle