With melodic sounds emanating from their classroom, two students are playing a Western classical musical instrument called a violin. Num Bunith, a 14-year-old student at the secondary school of fine art, is passionate about playing violin and feels optimistic about his future career.

Many students find it hard to look for jobs after their graduation, but Num Bunith isn’t worried. “Not many people can play violin, so I think I will be able to find a job after my graduation,” he said.

The violin is a bowed stringed instrument that has four strings along with a hollow body, and it is played with a bow, which is horse hair tied to a stick. It is usually seen during performances at special occasions at hotels or in the Royal Palace.

Motivated by his own interest and encouragement from his parents, Num Bunith always pays attention to his violin teacher’s instructions and practices at home every day until he can play better.

“I found it very difficult to learn violin for the first time, but after practicing for two years, I felt that it was not hard anymore,” he said.

Some students might regret developing unmarketable skills, but Num Bunith says he loves the violin and will do his best to make it his future career.

“I have committed to working hard and

practicing at home every day because I want to be a professional violinist,” he added.

Num Bunith has already achieved success as a violinist. He was asked to perform in a concert on Cambodian Television Station channel 9 during Water Festival last year and he has also performed at schools such as Mekong University.

“I am so proud of myself and I hope that one day I will have a chance to perform in Japan,” he said.

As a violin trainer at the Secondary School of Fine Art for eight years, Uy Thach, 37, has seen the value and advantages of violin instruction.

“Violin is a very important and useful instrument to learn even though it belongs to Western countries, because when students learn to play the violin, they can catch up easily when they learn other musical instruments,” she said.

Moreover, she explains, in order to be a good violinist, students need to develop a good work ethic, which is essential for success in any field.