All Debate articles
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DebateOpinion: The Wisdom of Yoda
In the Star Wars universe, Jedi Master Yoda is the ultimate teacher – and his insights can be applied just as readily to string playing as to learning the ways of the Force, writes cellist Brian Hodges
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Debate
Opinion: Go your own way
Musicians today are encouraged to play it safe by a recording culture that encourages perfect homogeneity. But, writes violist Paul Neubauer, it is still possible for individuality to thrive
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Debate
Opinion: In the Public Eye
The primary purpose of a musician is to be heard by an audience – yet so many performers are self-conscious about the idea of their practice being observed and judged. Perhaps it’s time to practise out in the open, writes Toby Deller
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Premium ❘ Article
Postcard from Hanover: close, but no cigar
The tenth Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition boasted a celebratory atmosphere and some fine performances, but for Charlotte Gardner, the finals were a little underwhelming
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Opinion: Music and insularity
Are the musical communities of France and Britain guilty of a lack of sharing and interaction, asks Charlotte Gardner
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Premium ❘ Article
Opinion: going international
Despite the large number of young and talented British string players, few seem to make an impact as leading soloists on the world stage. Charlotte Gardner explores the reasons for this phenomenon
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Debate
Is it ever acceptable for professional musicians to play for free?
Hazel Davis asks string players where they draw the line between opportunity and exploitation
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Article
Opinion: Managing a good ending
When a child wants to stop instrumental lessons, teachers have a duty to bring matters to a positive close, argues violin teacher Celia Cobb
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Debate
Bows of the 18th century have been ignored by string players for too long
Long neglected by the majority of string players, the bows of the 18th century make a huge difference to the way the music from that period is played, argues Jérôme Akoka
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Premium ❘ Feature
Is repetitive practice a good or a bad thing?
A prolonged, sickening and monotonous repetition of a section of music or the legitimate means of mastering a difficult passage? Joseph O'Doherty weighs up the two sides.
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Debate
Opinion: Into the Mainstream
In the years since Gregor Piatigorsky first set out to boost the cello’s profile, the instrument has seen a massive growth in popularity, particularly through the efforts of crossover artists, says Yoshika Masuda
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Debate
Play it again: composers can’t survive on premieres alone
A high-profile premiere might help young composers launch their career, but the story shouldn’t end there, says Tom Stewart
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Debate
Are conservatoires preparing young string players for the music world?
Violinist and professor Rodney Friend argues that music colleges are admitting too many students in the first place
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Focus
Why do so many orchestras lag behind the beat?
Even under the best conductors and in the finest orchestras, players tend to drag behind the baton. Evan Johnson looks at the reasons for this universal phenomenon
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Blogs
UK primary music education is a lottery. Here’s how to help
Thomas Kemp writes about how getting involved with local schools gave him an insight into giving children an initial musical spark
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Debate
Classical musicians should play more sports
String players often shy away from sports for fear of damaging themselves, but the benefits far outweigh the dangers, says cellist and tennis enthusiast Maria Kliegel
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How should string teachers approach an advanced adult pupil?
Understanding the physique and psyche of a new adult pupil should not be taken lightly, writes Pauline Harding
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Early vibrato was one aspect of a vastly different sound world
A response to Beverly Jerold’s article 'Did early string players use continuous vibrato?' by Kevin Class
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Sound quality should be the main focus of string teaching
Young students improve when they learn to listen to themselves, says Royal Northern College of Music senior lecturer in music education Philippa Bunting
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Premium ❘ Feature
Why historic recordings deserve more air time
Broadcasters routinely neglect and patronise historic recordings made by some of the greatest-ever string players, in favour of modern ones. They're failing in their duties, according to Tully Potter
