Getting back to your instrument after a break

Taking time away from your violin is not only normal — it's actually good for you. Whether you've been on holiday without your instrument, needed some physical rest, or simply wanted a mental breather, stepping back from practice is a healthy part of any musician's life.

In fact, returning to a piece with fresh ears can be a wonderful thing. You may find yourself hearing it differently, noticing details you'd glossed over before, or approaching a tricky passage with unexpected clarity. Time away has a way of quietly working on you.

Setting a date to return

One of the most helpful things you can do is decide in advance how ling the break will be and when you're going to pick the violin back up. Without a clear date in mind, it's easy to let the days drift by — and the longer the gap, the more daunting starting again can feel. The break can then become a hurdle rather than an intentional pause.

Start slowly — and lower your expectations

When you do return, resist the urge to dive straight back into where you left off. Consider starting with a shorter session that you are used to. Even 10 minutes on the first day can break the mental barrier. The most important thing is getting the consistency back. The length of each session isn’t the most important thing, especially in the early days back.

Before you play a single note, make sure your violin is in tune and everything is set up correctly. Give yourself the best possible chance for a good session from the very start.

A step-by-step approach for your first sessions

1. Long, slow open strings — focus entirely on tone and sound, and let your bow arm remember what it feels like.

2. A simple scale — use all four fingers and listen carefully for intonation, especially the fourth finger, which can feel stiff after a break.

3. Posture and vibrato — add in small amounts of vibrato, thinking carefully about your posture throughout.

4. Pieces you love — play something you genuinely enjoy, not to assess your technique, but to remind yourself why you play.

Choose pieces you enjoy

For your first few sessions back, put aside the tricky repertoire and play something you love. Keep a small book of favourite pieces ready — ones that remind you why you fell in love with the violin in the first place. There's no pressure to sound perfect. The goal is simply to enjoy playing.

Over the course of a few days, you'll naturally feel ready to take on more demanding scales and pieces again. Trust that process. Your body and mind need a little time to remember what they already know. Hopefully you’ll also notice the benefits of your break!

A quick summary

• Breaks are a normal, healthy part of playing — don't feel guilty about them.

• Set a specific date to return and stick to it.

• Start with short sessions — even ten minutes a day is enough at first.

• Begin with open strings, simple scales, and pieces you love.

• Build back gradually, giving your body and mind time to readjust and notice the benefits of the break.

Above all, be kind to yourself. The violin will be waiting for you exactly where you left it.