Mr. Bassam Saad was not only my violin teacher but also a true musical coach whom I have to thank for my current technical abilities and musicianship. From a young age, he instilled in me a disciplined and invaluable understanding of the fundamental techniques in violin and in musical life that would allow me to advance into more professional levels of music. His dedication, personal admiration, and care for me were unlike any other music teacher for the time and for my age. He was committed to guiding me to my true potential, and always made sure that I enjoyed the journey by showing me the beautiful and passionate side of music. His own talent and musical understanding were extremely advanced and impressive, and it always gave my family and I comfort knowing that I was being instructed by someone who himself knew and experienced so much. He truly is an accomplished musician and we witnessed his expertise in every one of his concerts. His performances were so enjoyable and really inspired me to continue and develop my skills. He taught and guided me for 6 years starting when I was 6; I only just started the violin a year before that at the age of 5. Every weekend for those many years my parents and I would drive from Al Ain city, U.A.E, to Sharjah, U.A.E, about 2 hours away by car, for my lessons. He never failed to show my parents and me the utmost care and affection knowing that we came from so far away. He put extra effort into every single lesson of mine to show his appreciation for the time and energy we put into them. This made it all worth it and made us even more willing to continue with him despite the distance. I felt so grateful knowing how much effort and care was put into my advancement with the violin from both sides. All of our family and friends were surprised that we were willing to do this. Neither I nor my parents will ever regret it for the rest of our lives because it was completely and totally worth it because of his dedication and care for me. I carry to this day a deep and passionate love and appreciation for the violin and for music, as well as the commitment to mastering it which I have Mr. Bassam to thank for. He strongly focused on developing the emotional side of my musicianship as well as the technical side. I was very lucky to have a coach as wise, determined, and passionate as him at an age where it can be difficult to gain such a profound appreciation for the beauty of classical music. I will always admire and respect Mr. Bassam for what he taught me and the personal relationship I developed with him. I could not have asked for a better instructor for the most formative years of my musical and personal life.