It is my opinion that students learn best in a teaching environment that challenges and inspires the student to do his/her best, but yet provides a friendly, nurturing atmosphere. Each student is unique in his/her learning style and needs, and it is the job of the teacher to adjust his teaching style accordingly. It is important to build the student's self-esteem in the process, as this will give him/her greater confidence to tackle new challenges, not only in learning to play the violin, but in other areas of life as well.