This week I had to say a very sad goodbye to my wonderful violin teacher. Because of ever rising train fares and the stress of commuting back and forth, I had to take the decision to find a new teacher in the area where I now work.

Hopefully, I am starting with a new teacher in September but it means that the gap between lessons will be several months and the lack of practice/focus is already taking a toll. My playing is awful

Was just wondering if anyone had any advice as to how I can fill the gap before I resume lessons and what I should be working on. I had been working on G6 pieces but I'm nowhere near that standard now and would be really grateful for suggestions on how I can bridge the gap between lessons and ideas for what I can do whilst I'm without a teacher.

Do you know anyone nearby who you could play duets with?

If you have had a long-term good relationship with this teacher that has ended on a good note I think it wouldn't be unreasonable to phone/email and ask for recommendations. He/she knows exactly where you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are, what music you already own, etc. If you are polite and reasonable in asking I don't think it likely the old teacher would refuse to help you.

If that's not an option then I think that with where you are at I'd concentrate on not losing skills rather than developing new ones. I'd be looking at a broader range of pieces at grade 5 level, look at the scale requirements for grade 6, aural requirements, maybe some studies, particularly those that focus on new/less familiar positions rather than new technique elements. You could work on being really secure reading the high notes and reading from 8va notation, as those things don't require so much teacher input they just need you to get your head down and learn how the notes relate to finger positions.

If you don't have your grade 5 theory then it would be a fabulous investment to spend time on that, since it will progress your flute, violin and musical knowledge at the same time, freeing you up to concentrate on grade 6 practicals. Again, some of the theory really requires a teacher, but a great deal of it requires sitting down and getting it done, so you could get the theory books and work through the bits that just need learning - key signatures, alto and tenor clef, compass of instruments, etc.

If you can play some duets, mixed ensemble, orchestra, etc. that is extremely useful in keeping you going too.

As well as what Rose has said, get hold of a copy of Simon Fischer's Practice if you can. Although most of the musical examples he uses are beyond grade 6, the advice in invaluable and certainly worth either tracking down through inter-library loans or paying what is about the price of a violin lesson. I'm not having lessons over the summer and I know the feeling well of being a bit lost. Listen to lots of music and watch lots of youtube videos (performances, masterclasses, interviews etc) to remind yourself why you play!

I have the Simon Fischer book and find that it is a bit annoying as each section seems to go from beginner to Maestro, so you kind of have to work out where you are in the level of exercises. But it is useful to dip into when you get stuck.

I've not had lessons for a while (just started again) as my teacher was otherwise engaged. I spent the non-lesson time playing tunes/songs that were within my technical level. So I haven't really moved forwards in that respect, but it's really helped with the flow of my playing and musicality, and loosened up my left hand. So from that aspect it has helped.

I'm sure you know what your weaker areas are. Could you work on those? I've invested in a metronome as I know my time keeping is quite shocking. I play everything in free-form (much to teacher's annoyance). I'm using it to work on time keeping and also to help speed up my fingers, using simpler studies (for now).

If you gave a rough idea where you are maybe other forumites would be able to meet up for play dates over the hols. If you were near me, I'd totally be up for it, but I live past the back of beyond.

I hope you find something to tide you over until September.

How about some reflection and assimilation time? Don't worry at all about progressing or what grade the pieces you are playing are. Take yourself on a trip down memory lane through some of the pieces you've learnt over the last few years. Allow yourself time to remember pieces you really enjoyed.

Thank you all for your excellent advice. Unfortunately, I haven't yet met anyone with whom I could play duets with, there is a nearby orchestra which I would love to approach but I need a car as the current time it takes me to commute back on public transport makes it impossible.

I'm due to start lessons with a new teacher in about 5-6 weeks time (yipee) and I will ask them about finding playing opportunities/duet partners. In the meantime, I will follow the excellent advice given and also start on my G5 theory.

Many thanks for the wonderful advice, it is much appreciated.