Returning to the Violin After 10 Years – Seeking Advice, Encouragement, and Local Resources (Canada - Burnaby/Coquitlam)

Hi everyone, I am writing this post on behalf of my girlfriend. Thank you.

I used to play violin professionally back in Korea. I trained seriously for about 5–10 years, competed regularly, and was accepted into a well-known arts middle school where I studied intensively. After graduating, I moved to Canada and stopped playing altogether.

Now, I’ve just finished my undergrad here and recently started feeling the pull to return to violin. It was such a huge part of my identity growing up—the one thing I felt truly good at. But after 10 years away, I’m honestly afraid. I know I won’t be able to play at the level I once did, and that’s been stopping me from even picking it up again.

I want to start practicing again, but I also want to be realistic and gentle with myself. I’m looking for affordable ways to get back into it—whether that’s an online course, practice routines, or maybe even a local instructor who understands my situation. I’m working part-time right now, so I can’t afford expensive private lessons.

Also, I still have my old (and very expensive) violin from Korea sitting in the case collecting dust. I’d love to have it looked at and properly maintained before I start playing again. Can anyone recommend a trustworthy luthier or violin maintenance shop around Burnaby or Coquitlam?

Any advice, encouragement, or shared experiences would really mean a lot to me. Thank you so much in advance ❤️