Help me choose an instrument?

I play the violin and play fiddle music(bluegr!!) which I love when other people are around to play with or when entered fiddle contests. Playing violin also allows you to transition to the mandolin easily since it is tuned the same way. But what kind of music teacher do you want to be? Orchestra? learn violin (not viola- because you learn the most commonly used treble clef - not the alto clef ). Band teacher? learn a wind instrument. College music teacher specific to your instrument? Any. College music theory and composition teacher? learn piano or guitar. I think guitar is great choice - it's portable, writing/playing songs, play it anywhere without people complaining(mostly) unlike the sound of a wind instrument especially ( you can get a mute but it's not much fun), or the screeching (when first learning) violin - though you can use a rubber or br mute. If the violin sounds weird, it may be the strings ( I recommend Eudoxa , or at least perlon (dominant) strings) or maybe your playing too hard and too close to the finger board. If you have a particular violin in mind that you like you may find it cheaper online --http://store.pottersviolins.com/ ---- they also have a good trade-in policy & instrument trial periods & rentals .Like a previous poster said - find SEVERAL pieces of music you would really like to play for each instrument. My opinion for a guitar out there right now for the money in your price range is the Guild gad50 series $720-750 USdollars - I'm buying one soon! And remember, if your musically inclined there is no reason why you can't later learn another instrument. I highly recommend it! Because it makes you think more creatively and gives you confidence as a MUSICIAN not just a violin player, flute or (insert instrument here) player. Good luck.