All Debate articles
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DebateBows 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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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
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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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
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Debate
Opinion: A limit to learning?
Do some string students have a ceiling when it comes to their capacity to learn? Naomi Yandell explores the question through her experience of teaching a cello student with special needs
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Premium ❘ Debate
Why can't players get vibrato right?
Vibrating need not compromise purity of tone if it's done tastefully, says Tully Potter, who takes to task those who overplay, misplay or completely disown it
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Debate
Investors should loan prized stringed instruments to top players
Rather than storing instruments in a vault, investors must allow them to be played, for the benefit of owner and musician alike, wrote Jonathan Moulds in 2014
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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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Debate
Orchestral Overload: Opinion
Conservatoires and youth orchestras in the UK too often timetable an excessive number of orchestral rehearsals and concerts. These rob students of precious hours of private practice, writes violin teacher Simon Smith
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Debate
Young students must learn to listen if they are to practise effectively
String students who struggle in the early stages of learning often don't know how to listen. Patiently help them to train their ears, says Peter Quantrill, and practice sessions will become ever more fulfilling
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Premium ❘ Debate
Should music tuition revolve around passing exams?
Toby Deller argues that young players should be inspired by fulfilling experiences
