Margaret Bragg, violin, grew up in Salem, Oregon. Her father was a professor of musicology and a violinist. Everyone in her immediate family is proficient on a stringed instrument and the family would often play string quartets at home just for fun. After completing undergraduate work at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, she went on to earn a master of music degree at the University of Illinois. She has been a member of the Houston Symphony since 1974. In extending her love of chamber music, Margaret has become very involved with The Houston Friends of Music, writing the program notes and often choosing repertoire for their concerts.

Earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory is from age 3. My sister and I used to lie on our stomachs on the floor of our upstairs bedroom watching through a ventilation register as my parents played string quartets with friends in the room below - the group assuming that we were sound asleep.

Best thing about being a musician?
I have never felt as if playing music was a "job". I play my violin because I love to, and I can say that I love doing so today just as much as I did when I first began 57 years ago. I can't imagine feeling that way about any other profession.

What are your favorite hobbies?
When I am not rehearsing or performing with the Symphony, I enjoy hiking with my husband, Jim, playing string quartets with friends or finding time for non-stop reading - my greatest love next to music.