I started to learn to play the violin when I was four years old. I didn't have pushy parents. I admire them for putting up with me in the 'I am really bad at this' stage. I left school when I was 15 ( 1 year early here in England we leave when we are 16) to go to music college. I did my some of my GCSE's and all my A levels there. I played professionally from the age of 15. At 15 it DEFINATELY is NOT the cuteness factor. I enjoyed playing and still do. Playing the violin came naturally and now I enjoy picking up new instruments that I can't play and figuring them out.

Music in schools is not encouraged enough. Kids see playing an instrument as 'not cool' and give up when they get to high school. It's a shame. Children should be encouraged to pick up an instrument and learn how to play it and make music. They should not be judged on how cute they look holding the instrument.

Cat