As some of you know, after many years playing viola and ultimately getting bored of the repertoire, I decided to pick up a violin recently The problem is, now that I've been playing it... I actually want to get better! I got to a reasonably high standard on the viola quickly, but because I had no patience when I was 11-14, and later on very little motivation/inspiration to improve on the viola, my technique is filled with holes I haven't had a lesson in more than a year, and even for the last 1.5 years I was taking lessons I wasn't very serious about it

But I've been listening to lots of violin music lately... and the idea of being able to play the violin properly is very (and it has been for years... I just never took the initiative to acquire a violin) So now I have this urge to sign up for violin lessons when I start at university... and I know the teachers will be very, very good, and I would get a lot out if it... but I would feel really guilty because violin lessons would be twice as expensive as viola lessons (because I'm a violist in the university orchestra, viola lessons would be subsidized), and I know the viola teacher is also relatively good. The problem is that I'm much more interested in violin repertoire, and even cheaper viola lessons would be wasted if I'm not motivated to practice... I can afford lessons either way, but I don't want to make an irresponsible decision. Any thoughts?

Probably not that useful, but I had a similar situation when I was a student, in that the instrument I was subsidised in was not the one I was interested in. The difference is that you are playing the viola regularly in the orchestra, so won't necessarily lose your skills. and surely some of the stuff you will get from a violin teacher will be transferable to the viola. I should think that if you take up the violin lessons, even if it's more expensive, you would be maximizing your opportunities and increasing your flexibility as a musician. That's what I'd do anyway, for what it's worth. And it's hard, combining intensive practice with work/family/household stuff - better to get going now while you're a student and just have you to look after (hope I'm not making assumptions there )

Yes, I was sort of thinking along those lines... as in, if not now, when? It is just me for now... or rather, just me and my degree But your point is well taken And I only have to decide for one term (until January) for now, so I shouldn't incur a huge loss even if it doesn't work out...

I agree with what Inigo said.
And you'll end up feeling worse about your viola when yearning for the violin. If you don't put yourself off it - or end up feeling guilty over it - the two instruments could end up living happily together.

I agree with Inigo and Miffy, GO FOR IT GOOOOOOOOO