February in DC: It is a bleak time of year. As I write this, the weather outside 20 degrees and cloudy. In the spirit of one of my favorite winter songs (okay, "In the Bleak Midwinter" is actually a Christmas Carol), I'd like to offer some suggestions for concerts which might lift your spirit. You can listen to this lovely rendition of "In the Bleak Midwinter" (by Gustav Holst) as you read! Attending concerts is a great way to stay inspired while you are taking violin or viola lessons. I recommend checking out different genres of music. These days, you'll see the violin performed in so many styles: classical, folk, Irish, rock, bluegrass, jazz. It's such a versatile instrument, and who knows, you may find yourself inspired to learn a new style! My top five picks of DC and Northern Virginia concerts coming up this month:

1) Claremont Trio at the Library of Congress (FREE)

2) Beijing Chamber Players at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage (FREE)

3) Alexandria Symphony at the George Washington Masonic Memorial ($5 - $60)

4) Fairfax Symphony Orchestra at GMU's Center for the Arts ($25-50)

5) A Tour of Norwegian and Swedish Fiddle Styles at the Library of Congress (FREE)