Hi, Ray! First of all, I just wanted to say that you're my favorite violinist. I first got to know you with your Arcane performances, which, needless to say, are INCREDIBLE. Since then, I've been in love with the way you play and you're the first thing on my mind when I think about what I wish to achieve with my music.

Sadly, I don't think I'll ever be able to play like you do. I have severe anxiety issues and, as you can imagine, they interfere a lot with my confidence and cause me to get very emotional over any mistake I make. Plus, it makes it impossible to play in front of other people (shaking is my biggest nemesis and it's very hard for me to control). In a few weeks I have a final in which I have to play in front of 3-4 examinators, and my biggest fear is not being able to play altogether because of this.

Do you have any tips you can give me? I assume you have been through relatively similar situations and I've seen you break a string, switch violins and keep on playing without batting an eye. Also, it seems like you really enjoy yourself while playing, no matter how nerve-wracking the situation is. How do you manage to keep calm?

I apologize if my comment causes any inconvenience or makes you uncomfortable in any way. I'm a bit emotional right now so I might've accidentally overshared or overstepped a boundary, though it's not my intention at all.

I wish you the best (especially, that your E string doesn't betray you again). You're amazing, never let anyone --- even yourself --- convince you otherwise.