Returning to the violin after a very long break is challenging, but it’s never too late to begin again.

Hi! I’m Rachel and I’m glad you’re here.

I‘m an adult amateur violinist who found joy in returning to the violin again after a few decades off. Yes, you read that right. I took more than 20 years off!

I joined my elementary school orchestra in 4th grade and played through high school. I took weekly private lessons. It was a hobby, but it wasn’t my top priority at the time. When I went to college, I didn’t bring my violin with me and did not touch my violin again for more than 20 years. I was busy pursuing other goals and dreams—perhaps you have been busy doing that too.

Happily, I decided to return to the violin a few years ago. Surprisingly, I returned with renewed interest and more motivation than I ever had as a child. I am also a much better student now.

I’ve tried lots of online courses and take weekly private lessons. I feel like I have finally surpassed where I left off so many years ago. I continue to learn and improve. Sometimes the progress is fast. Sometimes the progress in slow, but I’m enjoying the journey.

I have learned a lot over the last few years about returning to the violin and am hopeful that others can benefit from my experience. In this blog, I’ll share my experience returning to the violin. I hope you will find a little inspiration and some helpful reflections and suggestions if you are a fellow returning violinist.