All Improve your playing articles – Page 5
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Blogs
A break from string playing can be a constructive experience
With many musicians returning to the stage for the first time in months, violinist Cara Laskaris reflects on her own experiences to offer some words of advice
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Blogs
Never practise for more than five hours per day, says violinist Itzhak Perlman
Marking the violinist's 75th birthday, we republish this feature from our archive in which Perlman warns against the dangers of over-practising
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Focus
A targeted approach to Ševčík will help you to overcome any problem in the repertoire
When using Ševčík cello studies, it pays to plan your practice carefully, says Tomáš Jamník, Artistic director of the Academy of Chamber Music and the Ševčík Academy, in Prague, Czech Republic
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Focus
How to make the most of cello scales
Approach scales with commitment, imagination and daring, and they will inspire your cello playing, argues Mats Lidström
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Article
Nine 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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Focus
9 tips for flexibility in the right hand
A look in The Strad archive for wisdom regarding the importance of flexibility in the bowing arm, hand and fingers
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Article
Cellist Paul Katz on creating your ideal sound with vibrato
The New England Conservatory cello professor describes how to vary hand position to produce your desired vibrato sound
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Focus
7 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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Focus
7 views on repetitive practice
Is repetition the most effective mode of practice? Debate from The Strad Archive
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Focus
6 ways to perfect your double-stops
Tips from The Strad’s archive on producing even and finely tuned double-stops
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Focus
11 stretching exercises for musicians
Do you feel tired and stiff after performing? Pilates instructor John Black explains how some simple stretching exercises can make all the difference
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Focus
6 tips for improved coordination
Guidance from The Strad’s archive for greater synchronisation between left-hand fingers and bow
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Focus
I know that I know nothing: Tomás Cotik concludes his series on Bach
Ahead of his 2020 album release of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, the violinist concludes 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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Article
How I interpret Bach: Tomás Cotik on Classification
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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Focus
How important is happiness for effective practising?
Adopting a positive mindset helps to prime you for learning, writes musician and performance psychology expert Christine Carter
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Premium ❘ Focus
Technique: strum bowing
A guitar technique adapted for violin, to help bowed string players plug into their inner groove. By Tracy Silverman, electric violinist, author of The Strum Bowing Method, string faculty member at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and jazz clinic and workshop tutor worldwide
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Focus
5 ways to improve playing in thirds
Tips for hand position, bow distribution and intonation from The Strad Archive
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Focus
Double 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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Focus
5 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