All Focus articles – Page 70
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FocusPractising quietly - the products that can help you put in the hours without annoying the neighbours
Practising at unsociable times or away from home is the norm for many string players. Vicky Sharpe explores the products that can help you put in the hours without upsetting those around you
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Focus'Players should use the bow not only to sing, but to speak' - double bassist Matthew McDonald
Berlin Philharmonic first principal bassist Matthew McDonald discusses his search to find his voice as a player
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FocusAsk the Experts: playing violin in the second position
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to a panel of experts
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FocusShould violin shops and luthiers be more welcoming to young learners?
If violin dealers and makers welcome young learners, they can inspire their playing dreams and gain potentially lifelong customers in return, says Royal Northern College of Music senior lecturer in music education Philippa Bunting
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FocusAsk the Experts: regaining your technique after time away from the violin
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusAdvice I would give my younger self - cellist Antonio Meneses
The Brazilian cellist talks about the importance of playing the piano for string players
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FocusWords of wisdom by violinist Gidon Kremer
As the great artist celebrates his 70th birthday, we share his views on contemporary music, tone, music and politics, and interpretation, as published in The Strad's October 2010 issue
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FocusThe teaching wisdom of violist Bruno Giuranna
The viola player and teacher offers his advice on mastering the instrument
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FocusOld vs new: finding the right bow for your stringed instrument
The role of the bow in bringing out a string player's sound is often neglected, even though musicians can spend years looking for the perfect one. Charlotte Smith talks to players and dealers about how they go about finding the perfect instrument-bow combination
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Focus'Programming a difficult contemporary work before Beethoven often backfires' - Richard Tognetti
Three decades as artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra have taught Richard Tognetti that invention is essential to the health of classical music, writes Chloe Cutts
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FocusIs popping pills the sure way to beat performance nerves?
In this article from The Strad August 2010, Catherine Nelson talks to musicians and medical experts about the risks and benefits of using beta-blockers to overcome performance anxiety, and why their use is still such a sensitive subject
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Focus'Students should find the original score, not just rely on the Internet' - cellist Christophe Coin
For Christophe Coin, the French cellist, gambist and musical time-traveller, historically informed performance practice involves a combination of forensic-level investigation and leap-of-faith creativity, he tells Helen Wallace
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FocusPsychoanalysing Mozart
Are the frequent mood swings in Mozart's violin works a symptom of operatic composing, or of his affliction with a rare psychiatric disorder? Rok Klopčič offers some thoughts
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FocusAsk the Experts: how effective are stringed instrument 'playing-in' devices?
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusViolinist Anne-Sophie Mutter on authenticity in musical performance
We may never truly 'know' composers such as Mozart and Beethoven because we live in vastly different times, but that does not diminish the validity of 21st-century interpretations, the violinist tells Andrew Farach-Colton
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FocusShould string teachers embrace the latest fashions and gadgets?
As consumers hunger for the latest fads, should string teachers embrace ‘the new’ as well? For Philippa Bunting, today’s innovations are inseparable from the old reliables
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FocusHow to give the best first impression to a new violin student
First impressions can set the tone for your relationship with a fresh student, so be aware of their anxieties, acknowledge their skills and harness their enthusiasm, says Royal Northern College of Music senior lecturer in music education Philippa Bunting
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FocusThe Emerson Quartet on the future of string quartet playing
After more than 30 recordings and many international tours, the Emerson Quartet players speak to Jessica Duchen about marking their 40th anniversary year
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Focus'The value of tradition lies in repurposing the meaningful parts,' says luthier Sam Zygmuntowicz
The maker talks to Chloe Cutts about the impact of his Strad 3D project and his own journey as a luthier and researcher
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Focus6 ways to improve your ensemble playing
Advice on rhythmic, intuitive and tuneful ensemble playing from The Strad's archives
