All Blogs articles – Page 2
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BlogsConquering performance nerves: how do I control my fear of failure?
Brian Hodges and Diana Allan answer student questions on coping with stage fright
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Blogs'I often have to battle negative thoughts on stage,' says violinist Joshua Bell
The star performer talks about channelling nervous energy and thinking oneself confident
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BlogsViolinist Itzhak Perlman on conquering performance nerves
‘Know your enemy,’ says The Strad’s August 2015 issue cover star
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BlogsViolinist Aaron Rosand on why memorisation is key to interpretation
The American maestro discusses the importance of understanding a work's cultural background and performing by memory to convey this. From 2016
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BlogsAaron Rosand on how to produce a beautiful tone
The American violinist examines the role of the bow in tone production. From 2013
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BlogsViolinist Julia Fischer and cellist Daniel Müller-Schott on sound projection
The soloists talk to Pauline Harding about orchestral accompaniment and soloistic sound
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BlogsViolinist Aaron Rosand on how to produce a good vibrato
The American violinist examines the role of vibrato in enhancing sound and providing character. From 2017
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Blogs’Representing nature, a sense of place and identity’: Harriet Mackenzie on three new commissions
Violinist Harriet Mackenzie reflects on a busy summer of commissioned projects influenced by nature, special locations and personal collaborations
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BlogsLooking after your instrument: an introduction to soundposts
What is a soundpost? What does it do? Luthier Cecilia González from the Women in Lutherie community illustrates the enormous role of the little cylindrical piece of wood in an aim to demystify the subject for players
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BlogsLooking after your instrument: the secret to bridge placement
Is a reluctance to adjust your own bridge resulting in unnecessary trips to the luthier? Paris Andrew from the Women in Lutherie community explains how it’s done
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BlogsTeaching adult students: Find a teacher with passion and dedication
Finding the right teacher can eliminate many of the insecurities associated with learning an instrument as an adult. Cellist and teacher Ariane Zandi shares her experience from a teacher’s perspective
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Focus10 essential pieces for string orchestra
As Endellion Quartet violinist Andrew Watkinson prepares to lead the Guildhall String Ensemble, he tells us his favourite works for strings – and we put them in a convenient playlist. From 2019
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BlogsString ensemble skills are life skills – not to mention professional imperatives
Damian Iorio, violinist, conductor and music director of the UK-based National Youth String Orchestra, writes about the importance of ensemble skills. From 2018
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BlogsCrash course: are there benefits when things go wrong in a competition?
There was drama at the inaugural Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition this week, in everything but the string result, writes Andrew Mellor. From 2015
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BlogsViolinist Aaron Rosand on how to succeed in competitions and auditions
The American virtuoso covers technical issues including accuracy, rhythm, intonation and vibrato, and also discusses musical authenticity and practice. From 2016
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BlogsMaja Horvat: performing under pressure
Ruth Hallows speaks to violinist Maja Horvat, who shares her experiences of pre-performance nerves and how the pandemic has had an effect on staying calm
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Blogs10 tips for achieving long-term success with your quartet
The Henschel Quartet from Germany celebrated its 25th year in 2016. Here the group gives tips on achieving longevity in a chamber career
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Blogs’There is little to no room for error’: Sightreading in a recording session orchestra
Associate concertmaster of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra and session orchestra violinist Alexandra Gorski explains the high level of sightreading required from session musicians, as well as principles she employs to nail those one-take wonders
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BlogsPizzicato technique is often neglected, says violinist Jennifer Pike
There are many ways to vary sound and colour, but beware the perils of playing forte for sustained periods. From 2014
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Blogs‘Bartók has been with me for a long time and is irrevocably linked to my personal story’ - Violinist Franziska Pietsch
As a violinist who grew up in East Germany and moved to the West, Franziska Pietsch examines the parallels between her childhood and Béla Bartók’s inner turmoil of emigrating to the US, in recording her new album Bartók - The Quiet Revolutionary
