All left-hand articles
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BlogsCornerstones for violinists: the Australian violinist and teacher Alice Waten on left-hand set-up
The Australian violin pedagogue Alice Waten (1947-2022) shared advice on achieving fluidity and expressivity in the left hand in an interview with Joy Lee from early 2022
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Feature6 ways to improve left-hand flexibility
Tips from The Strad’s archive on increasing suppleness of movement and reducing tension
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Premium ❘ FeatureHow to develop left-hand finger strength
Up and down movement is the basis of left-hand technique and many pedagogues have invented fiendish exercises to improve it. Rok Klopčič takes a look at some of them
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Focus7 tips for playing fast passages for string players
Guidance from The Strad’s archive on increasing left-hand finger speed and minimising tension
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FocusHow I warm up: violist Maxim Rysanov
The Russian-born viola player gives an insight into his detailed warm-up regimen
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Focus5 ways to build fourth finger strength
Tips from The Strad’s archive on avoiding a weak, collapsing left-hand little finger
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ArticleViolinist Ray Chen gives left-hand pizzicato lesson
Violinist Ray Chen gives a video lesson on mastering left-hand pizzicato, as demonstrated in Paganini's Caprice no.24.
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FocusHow to make scales enjoyable
Encouraging students to practise scales needn't be an uphill struggle, says Paul Harris - in fact, it can even be fun!
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FocusThe art of the violin slide: Exploring shifts in different musical styles
Julie Lyonn Lieberman describes how different slides can enhance your string playing, from oozing your way in the true blues style to the Klezmer 'bend'
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FocusPlaying with a relaxed fourth finger by violinist Ros Stephen
Ros Stephen, author of the Oxford University Press Globetrotters series and Violinworks method books, gives exercises and advice to help string players reach fourth finger notes without straining
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FeatureHow to use your left hand in non-classical violin playing
Understand the use of touch in your playing and you’ll be well on your way to finding the best approach for non-classical styles, explains Julie Lyonn Liberman
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BlogsVarying my warm-up routine is essential for performing success, says violinist Natalia Lomeiko
The multiple prize winner and Royal College of Music professor has found numerous ways to warm up for concert performances
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FocusHow to make the most of cello scales
Approach scales with commitment, imagination and daring, and they will inspire your cello playing, argues Mats Lidström
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Focus'Popper's cello studies force you to know the fingerboard inside out'
The cellist and Boston Conservatory chair of strings considers the value of the composer's etudes
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Focus6 ways to perfect your double-stops
Tips from The Strad’s archive on producing even and finely tuned double-stops
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Focus6 tips for improved coordination
Guidance from The Strad’s archive for greater synchronisation between left-hand fingers and bow
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Focus5 ways to improve playing in thirds
Tips for hand position, bow distribution and intonation from The Strad Archive
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: helping double-jointed students
Five teachers and health specialists respond to a reader's query on how best to teach a double jointed student.
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Focus10 tips for improving your scales
Guidance from The Strad 's archive on tuning, bow control, shifting, direction and pulse
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Focus10 views on the benefits of slow practice
Debate on how best to harness slow practice from The Strad Archive