The purpose of this project report was to show examples of non-classical uses of violin through the music of Japanese rock musician Sugizo. Throughout his rock, electronic, pop, and avant-garde compositions, Sugizo uses the violin and guitar interchangeably to produce the sound he desires at the given moment.

Discussions with many classically trained music students as well as perusal of student string recital programs from the author's attendance of high school through graduate school show a tendency to focus on the music of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Many students dislike contemporary compositions, be they atonal and abstract or melodic and lyrical. Often popular music is expressed as inferior to the works of earlier composers.

An awareness of modern compositions broadens the students' awareness of both music and their instrument. String students in particular have very versatile instruments and can learn a lot from pushing the boundaries of music they perform.