All Editors pick articles – Page 6
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DebatePut yourself in your beginner students' shoes by trying to learn a new instrument from scratch
For most teachers the feeling of clumsiness associated with beginning an instrument from scratch is a distant memory. With the help of Grade1athons, however, it can all come flooding back, as violin tutor Naomi Yandell describes
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FocusMaking a carbon fibre bow in 10 steps – photo story
Founded in 1999, Arcus has developed a reputation for making lightweight, durable bows from non-traditional materials. Company director Bernd Müsing explains how a composite bow is made, from initial design to first hair fitting
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FocusAdvances in string manufacture: the latest developments
There are hundreds of strings available on the market already, and new releases seem never ending. But just why are these developments happening, how necessary are they, and how are musicians involved in that process? Pauline Harding asks string manufacturers and testers worldwide
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FocusProtection and portability: five of our favourite violin cases reviewed
The number of instrument cases available can make finding your perfect partner a daunting process. Charlotte Smith takes five cases by leading manufacturers BAM, For-Tune, Gewa, Musafia and Negri on the road to test security, mobility and the range of features available
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NewsA new work for viola by Shostakovich discovered in Moscow State Archives
The short work for viola and piano, the discovery of which was announced on the composer’s birthday, appears to have been written in one sitting in 1931
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ArticleFlying high: an El Sistema inspired music education programme in China
Inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, China’s Wings of Music aims to bring dignity and self-belief to some of the country’s most deprived children. Nancy Pellegrini reports in this article from 2013
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FocusBlind testing Strads and Guarneris misses a fundamental point
Researchers who seek to compare Old Italian instruments with modern ones under scientific conditions don’t appreciate that the potential of a Strad is intrinsically entwined with its player, writes Frank Almond
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FocusHow much should instrumental teachers push genuinely talented youngsters?
For Royal Northern College of Music senior lecturer in education Philippa Bunting, there’s a delicate balance to be struck
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DebateToo often, performance presentation skills are left in the lap of the gods
It is desirable for music teachers to take stage presentation skills seriously from the very start, argues Naomi Yandell
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FocusAsk the Experts: how to teach a group of violin students
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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DebateToo few conductors understand their double bass section
Though the standard of double bass playing has risen exponentially during the past 50 years, conductors’ attitudes towards the instrument have barely changed
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Premium ❘ FocusCellist Timothy Eddy on the teaching styles of Bernard Greenhouse and Pablo Casals
The Orion String Quartet founder learnt the importance of the link between language and music from the two legendary cellists
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FocusViolist Tabea Zimmermann on technique, teaching and competitions
The German violist talks to Carlos María Solare about her teaching philosophies and the role of competitions in the development of young musicians
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DebateDoes the quest for perfection discourage creativity at lutherie competitions?
Has the demand for 'high standards' at violin making competitions left any room for individuality and personality, asks Michael Köberling
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FocusI discourage my students from using a shoulder rest, says violinist Aaron Rosand
Only without a shoulder rest can one develop a personal sound that is identifiable, insists the Curtis Institute and Mannes College professor
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Premium ❘ FeaturePlaying chamber music is the best way for children to learn an instrument
Group activities and chamber music making are the best ways for young players to develop confidence – and enjoy learning, as pedagogue Sheila Nelson argues
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Premium ❘ FeatureGiuseppe Tartini’s advice on playing the violin
The following letter was sent to Signora Maddalena Lombardini in answer to a query regarding violin technique
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DebateSources of inspiration
If players and teachers were less cagey about where they discovered their ideas, Philippa Bunting argues, it would be more interesting for audiences and more valuable for their peers
