All Focus articles – Page 28
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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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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
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FocusMasterclass: Augustin Hadelich on Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, Part 2
In the second of a two-part article, Hadelich discusses Auer’s amendments, the cadenza and applause. From the January 2017 issue
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Focus12 inspiring quotes about string playing 2016
2016: twelve great issues of The Strad. Here are some pieces of inspiring wisdom from the artists featured in The Strad this year...'If you ask me how many times I've played the Sibelius Concerto, I don't know, but it's definitely in the hundreds. So what does that mean ...
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Focus7 ways to play perfect chords
Advice on unforced and resonant chord playing from The Strad's archives
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FocusHow to use the back muscles while playing, by cellist Hillel Zori
The senior faculty member at the Buchmann–Mehta School of Music, Tel Aviv University, Israel gives tips for maximising power and control with minimum effort
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ReviewAsk the Experts: should beginner string pupils have more than one teacher?
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusThe wisest thing anyone ever told me: violinist Julian Rachlin
The violinist shares an important lesson taught to him by cellist Mstislav Rostropovich
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FocusLeila Josefowicz on performing 21st-century violin concertos
When playing a new concerto 'you have to take on its personality completely in order to make it convincing', says the violinist
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Focus7 ways to improve your trills
Tips from The Strad’s archive for improving trill speed and clarity, and for varying ornamental style according to musical period
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FocusInstrumental teachers should focus more on choosing the right repertoire for students
When it comes to firing pupils’ imagination and enthusiasm, choosing what to play is as critical as explaining how to play it, says Royal Northern College of Music senior lecturer in music education Philippa Bunting
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Focus9 opinions on performance and career by cellist Yo-Yo Ma
The cellist revealed his thoughts and ideas on performing, practice, technique and musicianship to David Blum in The Strad’s January 1988 issue
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FocusScales and exercises are essential for all string players
Not all players regard exercises as important, but without a sound technical basis you cannot achieve your expressive potential, writes the cellist