Marion, Quite a lot of the information you're looking for has been contributed here on Mudcat. Pick up Joe's new perma-thread called "Instruments" and read the thread's we've linked there. Various members have talked about ways to practice and sources of wisdom. You'll have to wade through the threads and separate the wheat from the chaff but it's worth it.

The best violin book I know about is the practice book by Galamian (sp?). It is the exercise book for the serious violinist/fiddler. Being able to play any piece that you can hum or whistle—I think that's basicly what you're asking—is a very high expectation. Read the discussion we had on being obsessive in one of Rick's technique threads. That skill comes from many many hours of playing music—mostly with other people.

My advice is to spend your sabbatical time on a single instrument and perhaps even a single style and genre. If you try to do everything you'll be disappointed in your progress and feel more discouraged at the end of it than you do now.

      - Mark