I have always loved music.  I've been playing the violin since I was 8 years old.
That sounds fun and challenging! What made you decide to start playing the violin?
My parents noticed I had musical abilities at a young age, because I would pick out children's songs on our family piano around the age of 4.  They choose to start me with the violin and I ended up really taking to it.  I love Debussy's music the most, but I also like to play bluegrass for fun.
It sounds like you really have an ear for music. Do you play professionally or just for fun? Did you perform in any recitals when you were young?
Oh, yes, I played in many recitals.  I love doing that actually.  I enjoy the rush of being on stage.  I do play professionally now.  There's an orchestra in the city south of where I live and I am a member of it.  They play music different acts that come through such as operas or musicals that are perform at the local theatre.  It's a lot of fun.
It must be rewarding to be a professional musician! Is that how you earn your primary living? You mentioned playing the violin and piano. Which do you play in the orchestra?
I play violin in the orchestra.  It is a rewarding profession when you're doing what you love.  I don't take that for granted, many people don't have the opportunity. The piano I just play around on at home in my free time.  I'm proficient at it, but not at a level where I could play it professionally.  The orchestra is my main source of income, but I also free lance if someone needs a violin on a recording or in an ensemble for an event.
It's fascinating to hear about your skills. Do you have more than one violin? Is it made of any special materials? Do you have preferences in the type of strings and bow that you use when you play?