All Improve your playing articles – Page 3
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FeatureHow to shift correctly on the violin
What tips do the great pedagogues and players offer for getting around the instrument? Rok Klopčič looks at a fundamental aspect of playing: change of position. From August 2004
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FocusThe art of the violin slide: Exploring shifts in different musical styles
Julie Lyonn Lieberman describes how different slides can enhance your string playing, from oozing your way in the true blues style to the Klezmer 'bend'
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FocusThe harmonious string quartet - a balance of four personality types
No one said that living in a quartet was easy - but the most successful groups develop a unique identity that survives vitriolic relationships and even personnel changes, writes Paul Robertson. From 2005
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BlogsCrash course: are there benefits when things go wrong in a competition?
There was drama at the inaugural Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition this week, in everything but the string result, writes Andrew Mellor. From 2015
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BlogsViolinist Aaron Rosand on how to succeed in competitions and auditions
The American virtuoso covers technical issues including accuracy, rhythm, intonation and vibrato, and also discusses musical authenticity and practice. From 2016
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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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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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FeatureProfessor Ševčík addresses Strad readers
The Czech violinist and influential teacher passes on words of wisdom to readers of The Strad in February 1912
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Focus8 pieces of advice for happy string quartets
Words of instruction and inspiration on quartet playing from the pages of The Strad
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FocusDeveloping arm, wrist and finger vibrato
Rok Klopčič takes a look at different types of vibrato through the eyes of the great teachers and players - from the June 2003 issue
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FocusHow to achieve smooth bow changes at the frog
Former Juilliard School cello professor Bonnie Hampton answers advises readers on how to encourage smooth bow changes in their students. From 2011.
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Focus6 ways to improve your string crossing
Tips for even and seamless string crossing from The Strad’s archive
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FocusHow should a double bassist prepare to play Bach’s Cello Suites?
Virtuoso bassist and conservatoire professor Leon Bosch explains how he introduces the Bach Cello Suites to his students
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FocusMasterclass: Bach Cello Suite no.5, Prélude, by Jean-Guihen Queyras
Practical tips to help you master the challenges of this most fundamental of repertoire
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Premium ❘ FeatureWhere should string players look when performing from memory on stage?
Teacher Talk: your string teaching questions answered by our panel of experts. From October 2011
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Premium ❘ FeatureOrchestral career development: Personal progress
In many professions, employees are supported in their training and development – so why not orchestral musicians? In this article from April 2014, Andrew Stewart asks if ensembles are doing enough to help individual members thrive
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FocusDouble bass technique: Back muscles, weight, and flexibility in the right hand
How to get the most out of your body when playing the double bass, by Dan Styffe, principal bassist for the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music
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BlogsHow to be successful in an orchestral audition - LSO violinist Maxine Kwok
London Symphony Orchestra first violinist Maxine Kwok offers tips for string candidates on preparing for orchestral auditions in this interview from 2014
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Premium ❘ FeatureViola excerpts: Tricky corners
In July 1999 Charles Noble tried to ease the trauma of facing orchestra auditions; in the August 1999 issue he introduces the extracts every violist should know
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Premium ❘ FeatureAuditioning advice: Position vacant
Looking for that all-important orchestral job? Oregon Symphony violist Charles Noble provides some tips on how to impress the audition panel, in the first of two articles from July 1999