All Debate articles
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FocusOpinion: Relaxed body, focused mind
The art of Chinese calligraphy has much to teach us about playing a stringed instrument, writes violist Hsin-Yun Huang
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Debate
Beyond Bach: 12 tips for better Baroque playing
A thorough knowledge of Baroque repertoire apart from the works of Bach is so important if modern players are to gain a proper understanding of Classical and Romantic works, writes Adrian Butterfield
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Premium ❘ Debate
Opinion: Solo exploring
There is so much more to the unaccompanied violin repertoire than the works of Bach, Paganini and Ysaÿe, writes James Dickenson
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Debate
Opinion: An integrated whole
By divorcing technique from the music, we prevent the bow from becoming an extension of our right arm and hand, writes John Crawford
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Debate
Opinion: On the margins
Conservatoires should do more to make 17th-century music a fundamental part of the curriculum, writes Walter Reiter
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Debate
Opinion: Follow the science
A teacher can never rest on their laurels with a pupil – it’s important to keep observing how things are going and ask questions, says Naomi Yandell
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Debate
Opinion: Touching a nerve
Although nervous energy can lead to inspired playing, it can also result in performance anxiety – unless we find ways to control it, writes cellist Laura van der Heijden
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Debate
Opinion: A new light
Debussy’s Sonata for flute, viola and harp is just one of many works written for that combination, and is a prime example of how loosening fixed traditions can open new and exciting sound worlds, writes Toby Deller
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Debate
Building an international profile for French violinists
In comparison with its array of top-level cellists and string quartets, France’s violin soloists seem in general to attract less media attention globally. Charlotte Gardner investigates the causes
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Debate
Opinion: Defining relevance
Classical musicians can feel concerned about their lack of consequence in the ‘real’ world. But, as the pandemic has shown, the art form is needed now more than ever – and it’s up to performers to make the case, writes Andrew Mellor
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Debate
Opinion: Being conscious
Developing musical potential requires a real sense of critical awareness as students grow, writes cellist Cecilia Radic
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Debate
Should music tuition revolve around passing exams?
Toby Deller argues that young instrumental players should be inspired by fulfilling experiences
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Debate
Opinion: Original and the best?
Scouring the archives for early drafts is fine in the name of research, but when it comes to performance, the composer’s revised version is usually the more satisfying option, writes Charlotte Gardner
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Focus
Opinion: Jedi Wisdom for string playing
In the second of his articles, mining the wisdom of the Star Wars universe, cellist Brian Hodges explains how the teachings of the Jedi can be applied to string playing
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Debate
Opinion: Wise words
Masterclasses should be special forums in which great artists impart the insight and knowledge they have acquired over a lifetime, writes double bassist Leon Bosch
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Focus
Sightreading is a skill that should be taught early
A student’s earliest engagement with note reading is the right time to introduce sightreading, argues Naomi Yandell
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Debate
Opinion: A light touch
Learning to play harmonics early on has many potential benefits for beginner string players, as Naomi Yandell observes
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Debate
Beethoven’s music is especially appropriate in the time of Covid-19
Beethoven has been denied his year of celebration by the coronavirus pandemic. But, writes Toby Deller , his ‘Heiliger Dankgesang’ is an emblem for the current crisis
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Debate
Opinion: From the Heart
In the Covid-19 crisis, musicians have begun to film their playing from home. Andrew Mellor asks whether these raw and sometimes less-than-pristine performances have killed off classical music’s ‘cult of perfection’
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Debate
Opinion: Best of both worlds
If we work together and communicate effectively there is no reason why a student cannot benefit from lessons with more than one instrumental tutor, writes Celia Cobb
