Featured stories
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
Taliban-fleeing music educator to receive Juilliard honorary doctorate
Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast relocated the Afghanistan National Institute of Music from Kabul to Lisbon, Portugal, where the school now enjoys a thriving music education programme, including a recent visit from cellist Yo-Yo Ma
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
Opinion: 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
Opinion: Reset, refresh, restore
As teachers and pupils return to in-person lessons, cellist Naomi Yandell examines why it is more important than ever to re-examine students’ goals and priorities, and take nothing for granted
My experience: Katharina Jacob, Royal Conservatoire The Hague
An initial indecision between Classical and Baroque playing eventually led to fruitful and versatile studies for the cellist
My experience: John Wright, Newark School of Violin Making
Luthier John Wright recalls his transition from violin playing to making, as well as how his time at the Newark School of Violin Making empowered him to stand up to a fear of failure in order to seek improvement
My experience: Sagnick Mukherjee, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Sagnick Makherjee shares how his love for cross-disciplinary music making and encouragement from teachers inspired him to pursue a masters degree in Glasgow
Staying together: coaching string quartets
Coaching young players in string quartets requires special strategies, but success can develop their vital life skills as well as improving musical abilities. Chamber music tutors shared their secrets with Tim Homfray in the August 2008 issue of The Strad
tonebase: Head of Violin recruitment
A once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity for a professional violinist who’s passionate about the future of music education and ready to make an impact on the global learning community
Music for Life: enhancing music education in the Dominican Republic
Violinist Aisha Syed Castro illustrates how blessings in her musical education inspired her to create the Music for Life Foundation, helping her give back to the community in her home country of the Dominican Republic
My experience: Violinist Lisa Archontidi-Tsaldaraki, Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme
The London-based violinist reminisces about the various instruments she has borrowed from the scheme that have enabled achievements throughout her musical journey
‘Hello you beautiful thing’: Hogarthian analysis in string playing
Violinist Hector Scott illustrates how employing Hogarthian principles of grace and beauty can help musicians explore physical and musical gestures from different perspectives
The Strad Podcast Episode #34: Maria Ioudenitch on her competition success
The winner of both the Tibor Varga and Joseph Joachim International Violin Competitions in 2021 reflects on a successful year
My experience: Njabulo Nxumalo – Arco double bassist
The double bassist shares experiences of his initial violin lessons with the Arco project, plus how the initiative has shaped his musical life
My experience: LiLa at the Verbier Festival
Chinese cellist LiLa shares fond memories of her time at the Verbier Festival, as well as how it enabled her to meet the instrument of her dreams, a c.1690 Grancino cello
My experience: Sinethemba Ngiba – Arco violinist
The 21-year-old violinist shares her experience of long-distance string tuition as part of the Arco project