All Focus articles – Page 5
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NewsViolinist Ivry Gitlis talks to The Strad
In the August 2012 issue, the veteran virtuoso gave a wide-ranging interview to Ariane Todes, on topics from teaching and managers to emotion, conflict and playing with his friend Jascha Heifetz
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FocusKim Kashkashian's top 5 tips on combating stage fright
The Armenian-American violist used to get ‘terribly nervous’ when performing as a teenager. Here she shares her tips on preparing psychologically for a concert
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FocusFour alternative methods to make sure your practice efforts survive the pressures of performance
A violist with a background in neuroscience, Molly Gebrian shares some alternative practice methods informed by studies on how our brain processes learning
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ArticleNine steps to mastering violin vibrato
Dr Rebecca McLeod, associate professor of music education at the University of North Carolina, gives a guide to achieving a good vibrato - from establishing a relaxed position to mastering a smooth, even motion
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Focus7 ways to harness mental practice for musicians
Tips for using mental imaging to boost your musical practice regime from The Strad’s archive
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FeatureHow are string soloists coping with the coronavirus lock down?
As social distancing causes unprecedented disruption to concert schedules around the world, several soloists share their coping strategies and plans for the future.
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Focus7 tips for carving a scroll
How to perfect the head of your instrument from 125 years of the Strad
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FocusHilary Hahn marks 30 years since her debut solo recital aged ten
‘I built up to it for months, and I’ll never forget it,’ says the American violinist
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Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: Violinist Johan Dalene makes his recording debut
For his debut album as an exclusive BIS artist, Johan Dalene – teenage winner of last year’s Carl Nielsen International Competition – has not shied away from ambitious and much-loved repertoire. He and producer Jens U. Braun recall the recording process
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FocusViolinist Yehudi Menuhin's first appearance in The Strad, aged 10
We republish a snippet introducing the prodigy to Strad readers in 1926
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FocusWhat do violinists Sarah Chang and Hilary Hahn keep in their instrument cases?
Ever wondered what players keep in their instrument cases, apart from their Strads? We talk to some well-known performers to discover the secrets they hold
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ArticleLife Lessons: Christian Poltéra
Having the space to breathe is important in more ways than one, says the Swiss cellist
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Focus5 ways to improve playing in thirds
Tips for hand position, bow distribution and intonation from The Strad Archive
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FocusDouble bassist Christine Hoock on sound and phrase
The professor of double bass at Mozarteum University Salzburg and president of the International Sperger Society for Double Bass shares her wisdom in this month’s Technique article
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Focus5 tips for viola players, by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's Manchin Zhang
Manchin Zhang shares her wisdom on various aspects of playing the viola, from vibrato to body balance
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FocusHow I interpret Bach: Tomás Cotik on Treatises Sources, Numerology and the Doctrine of Affections
Ahead of his 2020 album release of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, the violinist continues his blog series, in which he discusses the contradictions between the opposing trends and traditions in Bach interpretation, and his personal solutions to them
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Premium ❘ ArticleTechnique: achieving balance between the chin and left thumb
Learn to reduce physical stress by distributing instrument weight more effectively across your body. By Matthew Jones, Head of chamber music and professor of viola at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London; director of Pro Corda Intermediate Course.
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Premium ❘ ArticleIn focus: Paul Dörfel
A 1920 violin made by the Markneukirchen-based luthier Paul Dörfel. Written by Bruce Babbitt
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FocusHow I interpret Bach: Tomás Cotik on The Pieces in Context, The Title and Editions
Ahead of his 2020 album release of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, the violinist continues his blog series, in which he discusses the contradictions between the opposing trends and traditions in Bach interpretation, and his personal solutions to them