I mentioned this point much earlier in the thread, but it does seem to be pertinent.

When I'm playing the violin, one thing which is crucial to the overall sound of the piece is intonation. To me, the violin is the most complex of all instruments (and I play several, in many different styles). Depending on the melodic lines of the piece that's being played, there is a tiny but significant difference in intonation between two notes which, on paper, look the same. For example, a note may be written as C on the staff but, when you come to play it, the subtlety of intonation might demand that it's actually played slightly flat - more akin to a "B#" than a full-bodied C. Only the ear can distinguish this tiny difference - it can't be notated in real terms, but it does exist. My violin lessons, with an excellent teacher, demonstrated it beyond any doubt.


(The violin teacher, by the way, is classically trained but also plays her own compositions, old-time, folk ,jazz,blues beautifully - and is an encouraging and inspiring teacher. All three necessary ingredients: (a) she understands theory (b) she can play well (c) she can teach it).