Nicholas Thin, age 16, from Christchurch

The experience improved my playing dramatically, particularly focusing on perfecting my bowing. The atmosphere made it easy to concentrate solely on the violin, so we all improved quickly. Overall, it was so productive and so much fun that I wish I was in that environment all the time! I will definitely be going back next year!

Erica Stichbury, age 19, from Hawkes Bay

It gave me a chance to expand my horizons in violin playing and become more aware of practice techniques that I perhaps hadn't thought about before. The setting of the school was also amazing. Just looking at the snowy mountains around inspired me and created an awesome atmosphere for the school. I am definitely looking forward to next year's school.

Caitlyn Westbrooke, age 15, from Christchurch

Each of us came away with the feeling that we were the start of something big, which will hopefully continue for many years to come. The culinary skills of the Caterer were much appreciated, and the variety of food was amazing. I found myself looking forward to every meal.

Salina Fisher, age nine, from Christchurch

The Queenstown Violin Summer school was fun. The accompanists were great and you could always learn heaps of new things every masterclass. The daily evening concerts were nice to listen to and a great range of music was played, from Bach to Prokofiev.

Sean Daly, age 10, from Christchurch

This is the first time I have been to a violin summer school. I liked learning from different teachers. It was good being with all the other students – even practising was more fun when we were in different parts of the same building but close to each other. It was hard work, but I liked being in Queenstown, and I want to go again!