This project report discusses the development of the schools of French and Belgian violin playing leading to the emergence of Eugene Ysaÿe and his philosophy of performance and teaching. The paper cites many of Ysaÿe' s students and contemporary critics to describe his larger-than-life persona, which includes his innovative style of playing, his rapport with his students, and his compositions, primarily the Sonatas for Solo Violin, Opus 27. In summation, this document attempts to show how Ysaÿe's influence changed the realm of violin playing—more than any other violinist of his day.