Improve your playing continued
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Focus5 tips from Isabelle van Keulen on achieving a relaxed bow hold
The Dutch violinist and violist considers the many processes involved in keeping your bow hold tension-free
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Video
‘With Nicky’ 5: Equipment
This week on her video journey, Nicola Benedetti is talking all things equipment: strings, shoulder rests, chin rests, her bow, her beautiful pegs and the violin itself. She also gives us a glimpse inside her violin case. She says, ‘Equipment is something that I have certainly obsessed over a ...
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Video
‘With Nicky’ 4: Vibrato Part II
Following on from last week’s episode in her series of video tutorials, Nicola Benedetti is on to Vibrato Part 2, in which she progresses from easier to slightly harder vibrato exercises. She focuses on how to put some of last week’s exercises into practice with one of the most ...
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Focus
Learning a violin as an adult: How do you progress beyond practising for exams?
How can an adult amateur, beginning or relearning an instrument, progress beyond practising for exams? Three tutors examine the various options – as well as suggesting ways to combat shyness
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Focus
Arabella Steinbacher's top 5 practice tips
The German violinist shares her personal favourite practice habits
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Article
8 ways for violinists to improve posture
Advice for violinists from The Strad's pages on establishing a relaxed and stable posture for optimal performance, and avoiding strain and injury
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Video
Kim Kashkashian teaches circular bow motion
This video shows part of a master class with violist Kim Kashkashian at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.
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Focus
Sentimental work: Gautier Capuçon on Schumann
The French cellist finds a whole universe of sound in Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro and the op.73 Fantasiestücke – as well as huge scope for experimentation
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Blogs
Three top tips for improving performances with meditation techniques
Violist Matthew Jones discusses the ways in which meditation and mindfulness can help performers
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Focus
Charlie Siem's top 5 practice tips
Ahead of his performance at Cadogan Hall, the violinist shares his knowledge
