All Focus articles – Page 21
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #48: Noah Bendix-Balgley on performing under pressure as a concertmaster
Yes, the Scheherazade and Ein Heldenleben solos are nerve-wracking for everybody…
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FocusThe Inner Monsters responsible for performance nerves
In order to equip musicians for emotionally disconnecting from their negative thoughts, flautist Katie Frisco unpacks the three categories of Inner Monsters she characterises as being responsible for performance anxiety
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FocusHow do you prepare for a concerto competition?
Performing as a soloist with an orchestra can be a nerve-wracking experience, particularly for competition finalists who have very little rehearsal time. Pauline Harding talks to jury members, conductors and soloists about how to prepare
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FocusHow to prepare for a competition: Valentino Worlitzsch, Pacem in Terris Competition
The cellist won the €10,000 first prize at the 2014 Pacem in Terris competition in Bayreuth, Germany, and was a prizewinner at the 2015 Emanuel Feuermann Competition. He shares his success strategies
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FocusHow to prepare for a competition: Sam Suggs, ISB Double Bass Performance Competition
The double bass player won the $2,500 first prize at the ISB Double Bass Performance Competition in Fort Collins, CO, US, in June 2015. Here, he recalls the lead up to his competition victory
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FocusHow to prepare for a competition: Andrea Burger, Tokyo International Viola Competition
The violist recalls the strategies that led to her victory in June 2015
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FocusHow to prepare for a competition: Van Kuijk Quartet, Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition
Former violist of the Van Kuijk Quartet, Grégoire Vecchioni outlines the ensemble’s strategies which led to its success at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition in March 2015
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FocusHow to prepare for a competition: Queen Elisabeth winning violinist Ji Young Lim
The violinist won the competition in Brussels in May 2015, receiving €25,000, concert performances and the loan of the ‘Huggins’ Stradivarius for four years.
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FocusMy 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.
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FocusLearning 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
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FocusAdult 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
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #47: Korinthia Klein on basic instrument maintenance
‘When you’re armed with good knowledge, you can make better decisions’
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FocusLearning 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
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FocusDaniel Kurganov: on starting the violin at age 16
In an age where starting the violin at age three is considered ‘normal’, violinist Daniel Kurganov shares his musical journey of first picking up the violin as a teenager
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FocusLearning a violin as an adult: How do you progress beyond practising for exams?
How can an adult amateur, beginning or relearning an instrument, progress beyond practising for exams? Three tutors examine the various options – as well as suggesting ways to combat shyness
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FocusMy 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
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #46: Billy Tobenkin on starting the cello at 25
’I encourage adults that I encounter to dream bigger than you would imagine’
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FocusMy 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
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FocusThe Strad Podcast Episode #45: The New Zealand String Quartet on its 35th anniversary
‘Make sure the music is first and the ego last’ - words of advice from the long-standing ensemble
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FocusMy 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
