sentences:  Though not an outstanding student and composing little, Nielsen progressed well in violin under Valdemar Tofte (1832–1907), and received a solid grounding in music theory from Orla Rosenhoff (1844–1905), who would remain a valued adviser during his early years as a professional composer.He also studied composition under Gade, whom he liked as a friend but not for his music.Contacts with fellow students and cultured families in Copenhagen, some of whom would become lifelong friends, became equally important.