Teachers and students face an abundance of pedagogical methods and instructions for the violin with strong convergence towards some similar developmental principles. Much of the authority of these methods is derived from tradition and practical experience and the violin playing community often focusses with much intensity on visible and audible efforts of violinists.

No one knew this better than Nicolo Paganini, who was stalked by many trying to observe the secret of his art. Since they heard nothing but silence in their intense observations of Paganini