I play the violin sometimes. Do you know how to play?
I don't.  I know a couple people who play, and I played bass for about a year when I was younger, but I'm not much of a musician.
Ah, well most people aren't. And, everyone has different tastes in both music and the instruments that are used. Violins are the smallest and high-pitched in their family
I usually assume violins are used for classical music.  Do they show up in other types of music much?
Violins are important in many varieties of genres. Sometimes people just don't notice them over other instruments
I can see that.  Do you think a violinist could be as popular as say a guitarist or lead singer?
In some ways. Perhaps not as well known, but known well in their field. For example, Lindsey Sterling.
Who is that?  Would I know things she's done even if I don't know her?
*Lindsey Stirling. I made a typo :) She is an American violinist who is well known for doing cover songs. You probably wouldn't unless you had an interest in that field or saw her on Youtube
Maybe I'll look her up.  I do like hearing covers of songs, it's fun to see other peoples' takes on a song.