If you're wondering where I've been, I had my ear pierced so I couldn't wear noise-cancelling headphones about a year ago, and as it was healing I went to music camp where it got infected so I had to take it out. I got it pierced again about five months ago so I still can't wear headphones :/  It has not been a good year violin-wise.

I'm sorry if this is a question that's been asked quite a bit, but my brother wants to learn viola and I'm curious how much I'll be able to help him as a violinist. Aside from offering encouragement I don't know how much of a help I'll be to him?