Featured stories
International lutherie schools: All round learning
Peter Somerford speaks to teachers from seven violin making schools to find out the options for young aspiring luthiers
My Experience: Cecille Elliott, Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop
Cecille Elliott illustrates a joyful and lively environment of music making with musicians from 24 countries
Newark School of Violin Making: Fifty years young
The Strad looks back on 50 years of the UK’s best-known institution for lutherie and the many well-known names who have passed through its doors as students
String education in regional Western Australia: Sitting on a gold mine
In exploring the past and present of string teaching in regional Western Australia, Rita Fernandes finds examples of both progress and regression, all pointing to the fact that where there is opportunity, there is demand and potential
Analysis September 2022: ‘It’s not about transforming your school overnight; this is going to take time’
As the UK’s National Plan for Music Education is unveiled, questions still remain about the amount of funding behind the initiative, as well as the number of trained teachers. By Peter Somerford
My Experience: violinist Oliver Neubauer, Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival and Institute
Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits for a professional chamber musician, says violinist Oliver Neubauer on his time at the San Francisco Bay Area festival
My Experience: Animato Quartet, Verbier Festival Academy
One can learn from great artists in the bar after a concert in addition to masterclasses at the Verbier Festival Academy, writes Animato Quartet violist Elisa Karen Tavenier
‘A kinder, more loving way to teach an instrument’: Violinist Augustin Hadelich on the Suzuki Method
The violinist has recently recorded music for Suzuki Method Books 4-6. He shares with The Strad his thoughts on the method, the challenges of recording such beloved works and the sense of responsibility in immortalising the repertoire for the next generation of violinists
My Experience: double bassist Adalberto Ambotta, Conservatorio Giuseppe Tartini
Double bassist Adalberto Ambotta shares his experiences of studying at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Tartini in the historic city of Trieste, Italy.
String 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
My Experience: violinist Inés Issel, Reina Sofía School of Music
Violinist Inés Issel shares what inspired her to study at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid
How can I help to conquer performance nerves by warming up my stiff, cold hands?
Brian Hodges and Diana Allan share their tips on coping with stage fright
My Experience: violinist Matej Mijalić, University of Zagreb Academy of Music, Croatia
Violinist Matej Mijalić shares his experience of studying in a welcoming environment at the University of Zagreb Academy of Music.
Learning at the speed of childhood
A willingness to engage in challenges outside of our ability level and to embrace making mistakes can help adults to learn as efficiently as young children, argues clarinettist and performance psychology researcher Christine Carter
Adult string students bring unique challenges which can be very rewarding
Teaching those who have come to their instrument later in life can be an extremely rewarding process, writes Ros Stephen. But the psychological complexities must also be handled with delicacy
Learning the cello as an adult: Mavis Himes
Upon hearing about the retirement projects many of her friends were enjoying, psychoanalyst Mavis Himes decided to jump into the world of learning the cello. Here, she shares her experiences of picking up a new skill later in life
My Experience: violinist Maya Anjali Buchanan, Curtis Institute of Music
Violinist Maya Anjali Buchanan talks about her time at the Curtis Institute of Music in Pennsylvania as well as the importance of choosing the right teacher
My Experience: violinist Mia Stanton, Australian National Academy of Music
Violinist Mia Stanton talks about her time at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne, including the freedom to curate her own projects and make friends and colleagues for life
My Experience: cellist Begonia Chan, Whakatipu Music Festival
Begonia Chan speaks about her time at a unique artist development programme set among the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s South Island
Analysis: Brain training
Can learning a musical instrument have a positive effect on a child’s mental health? Players and teachers give their thoughts on the psychological benefits for young people, as Peter Somerford finds out