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I'm not sure my translation for this brief conversation is correct,
particularly the last sentence, so would like it double checked please.

> カレン: ニールさんは音楽の学生ですね。  
>  ニール: そうですが、どうして？  
>  カレン: バイオリンを **習おうと思っている** んです **が** 、いい先生を **知りませんか** 。
>
> Karen: Neil you're a music student aren't you?  
>  Neil: That’s right but why do you ask?  
>  Karen: Well I've been thinking of learning the violin so do you know any
> good teachers?

A couple of things:

  1. The が in the last sentence is confusing me as I can't see how a 'but' would really fit in.
  2. What would be the difference between 習うと思っている and 習おうと思っている?
  3. I was initially flummoxed by the 知りませんか but I think it’s a request form question now.
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2014-04-08T15:20:13.470
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grammar translation particles verbs
Does this “が” mean “but”? What is the difference between 習うと思う and 習おうと思う?
Your translation is correct. However, this `が` isn't the "but" one. It's the
"softener" one. I can't think of a way to translate it (if there even is one),
but it's often used to make one's own desires/actions seem less direct and a
little more humble.

Ex.

>   * 聞きたいことがあるんですが... → There's something I'd like to ask you...
>

* * *

The difference between `習うと思っている` and `習おうと思っている` is the former would be used
to indicate "I think <someone else> will learn" vs. "I'm thinking **_I'd like
to_** learn". `〜（よ）うと思う` is a very common form for expressing a desired, yet
uncertain intention.
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2014-04-08T15:50:11.040
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> カレン: バイオリンを習おうと思っているんですが、いい先生を知りませんか。

As written, が is being used as a gentle lead-in. It's adding a sense of "I'm
probably bothering you by asking, but...".
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2014-04-08T18:10:02.220
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I don't know if this is correct, but I think the construction 習おうと思っている could
be translated literally as 'I'm thinking (to myself): let's learn'. 習おう is the
same construction you would use to suggest doing something. You could for
example say 日本語を習おう (meaning: Let's learn Japanese!)
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2014-04-10T12:40:34.970
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I understand your question regards the last line of Karen. The alternative
English translation of the last line could be: I've been thinking of learning
the violin. By the way do you know any good teacher? though there is a subtle
difference of implications from your translation.

習うと思っている is very different from 習おうと思っている. The former is stating a simple
future, like “I will be learning English when I get into the 1st grade of
middle school.” The latter is stating your wish / desire like, “ I want
(intend / plan) to study French (when I get into college)”
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