All Focus articles
-
FocusJoy, warmth and humour: Natalie Clein on Haydn Cello Concerto in D major
In this extract from the September 2021 Masterclass, cellist Natalie Clein guides players through the opening of Haydn’s virtuosic work
-
Focus
Using ‘Digital Amati’ in violin making
In this extract from September 2017, Harry Mairson introduces the ’Digital Amati’ software used in conjunction with Euclidean geometry to design string instruments
-
Focus
The Strad Podcast Episode #12: Maxim Vengerov on Ravel
’For every nuance that Ravel wrote, one must really be attentive to the score’
-
Focus
Ask the Teacher - Mark Bjork
The Suzuki teacher trainer and violin pedagogue advises students on how to keep the attention of a class, and emphasises the importance of repetition
-
Focus
Hansheinz Schneeberger: violinist and composer
Violinist Hansheinz Schneeberger was known for premiering Bartók’s Violin Concerto No.1. Here, Dmitry Smirnov writes about uncovering the late violinist’s solo violin sonata while sorting through Schneeberger’s personal archives
-
Focus
Sentimental Work: Matt Haimovitz
For the cellist, Ligeti’s Sonata for Solo Cello was the doorway into the complex world of modern and non-classical music – with a little help from the composer himself
-
Focus
Shinichi Suzuki’s international acclaim
Casals, Galamian and Menuhin are just a few great string players who have expressed their admiration for the violin pedagogue, as illustrated by William Starr
-
Focus
How to practise a piece – 3 stages of learning
Junior Guildhall violin professor Ivo Stankov continues his series on how to practise efficiently and effectively with tips on approaching new pieces
-
Focus
5 simple exercises to use when teaching young children
Suzuki teacher Edward Kreitman shares important musicality exercises to incorporate into lessons with young beginners, in this extract from the September 2021 issue
-
Focus
Bringing the Suzuki Method to the UK
In the 1960s and 70s, the Suzuki Method was already making waves around the world. Caroline Heslop writes about Helen Brunner’s challenge to bring the teaching method to the UK, in this extract from September 2000.
-
Focus
Using Artificial Intelligence in violin making
In the September 2021 issue, Sebastian Gonzalez investigates artificial intelligence (AI) software to examine violin forms
-
Focus
‘Spanish Court’ Stradivari viola copy by Diego del Valle
A chance to check out the decorated viola that is the subject of The Strad Podcast Episode #11
-
Focus
The Strad Podcast Episode #11: Jesus Rodolfo’s 1696 ‘Spanish Court’ Stradivari viola copy
Jesus Rodolfo speaks about his very special instrument made for him based on a decorated Stradivari
-
Focus
What is Suzuki? Elements of the global teaching method
In this extract from September 2012, Laurie Niles outlines the core elements of the Suzuki Method
-
Focus
‘Beautiful heart, beautiful tone’: Shinichi Suzuki's philosophy on sound
In this extract from the September 2021 issue, violinist and teacher Helen Brunner shares personal reminiscences of working on tone with Shinichi Suzuki
-
Focus
6 tips for teaching young violinists by Suzuki instructor Teri Einfeldt
The University of Hartford Suzuki Department chair shares her methods for teaching children
-
Focus
Cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca: being an active artist in society
In the September 2021 Session Report, Tom Stewart speaks to cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca about how classical artists can use their platform to raise awareness of environmental and humanitarian issues
-
Focus
6 technical ways for improving your practice
In the second of a four-part series of blogs, violin professor at Junior Guildhall Ivo Stankov offers advice on how to practise efficiently
-
Focus
‘Inherently democratic’ - equity and the Suzuki Method
In this extract from the September 2021 issue, Samara Ginsberg examines common misunderstandings and myths in the Suzuki Method related to sightreading, parental involvement, racism and social issues
-
Focus
Various viola variables: weight, shape and sound
In the September 2021 issue, William Castle examines how weight, shape and sound is affected in violas of various sizes
