This year marks 25 years of violin study for Daichi Nakamura. His practice has earned him a host of international accolades and the position of guest soloist at renowned symphony orchestras in Europe such as the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.

Yet the 28-year-old is far from trading practice for more performances: He plans to continue studying the violin in the place he calls the cultural home of classical music, Vienna.

Nakamura likens his profession to that of an athlete. Physical training, as well as emotional maturity, are vital for success. Even after mastering the skill required to play, understanding of the music is required to bring a performance to life.