January always asks us to soften before we move forward.

Lately, I’ve been rebuilding my own practice gently — not by adding more time, but by creating a little space where playing feels safe again.

If your violin has felt distant, heavy, or simply quiet lately, please know this: nothing is broken.

Sometimes the next step is just listening.

If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear where you’re at right now. You can simply reply to this email.

If it helps, I also shared a short video where I talk a bit more about how I’m approaching my practice this January — gently and without pressure.

You can watch it below.

Never stop playing,

Marlene