All Left hand articles
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FocusDealing with Dystonia
Violinist Bernard Zinck shares his experiences of his devastating diagnosis of focal dystonia in his forties and his rehabilitation process to resume playing
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Trills and embellishments: exercises from Wilhelmj and Brown’s A Modern School for Violin
Violist Misha Galaganov recommends exercises from August Wilhelmj and James Brown’s out-of-print A Modern School for Violin, to accompany his Technique article in the October 2021 issue
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3 simple trill exercises for players and teachers
Professor of viola and chair of strings at Texas Christian University Misha Galaganov offers technical advice on how to play and teach trills
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Replacing shifts with a stretch: Daniil Shafran’s left-hand technique
Oskar Falta examines Soviet cellist Daniil Shafran’s unique left-hand technique and vibrato in this extract from the September 2021 issue
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Left-hand agility in Dont Etude op.35 no.8
In this extract from the May 1999 issue, violinist Zakhar Bron shares tips on hand shape and intonation when playing thirds in Dont Etude op.35 no.8
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Avoiding the ‘neutral zone’- what to do with your bow when playing violin trills
Violinist Zakhar Bron discusses creating a smooth line when playing trills in the op.36 no.6 etude by Dont
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Premium ❘ Feature
Violin Masterclass: Playing Thirds in Dont’s Etude op.35 no.8
Violin teacher Zakhar Bron provides tips for practising the op.35 no.8 Etude by Dont
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5 ways to build fourth finger strength
Tips from The Strad’s archive on avoiding a weak, collapsing left-hand little finger
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Feature
6 ways to improve left-hand flexibility
Tips from The Strad’s archive on increasing suppleness of movement and reducing tension
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Blogs
Varying my warm-up routine is essential for performing success, says violinist Natalia Lomeiko
The multiple prize winner and Royal College of Music professor has found numerous ways to warm up for concert performances
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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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7 tips for playing fast passages for string players
Guidance from The Strad’s archive on increasing left-hand finger speed and minimising tension
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'Popper's cello studies force you to know the fingerboard inside out'
The cellist and Boston Conservatory chair of strings considers the value of the composer's etudes
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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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Article
A 30-minute daily practice routine for violinists and violists
How to keep your playing in shape while maintaining a busy schedule, by Misha Galaganov, professor of viola and chamber music at Texas Christian University, TX, US
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6 tips for improved coordination
Guidance from The Strad’s archive for greater synchronisation between left-hand fingers and bow
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How to make scales enjoyable
Encouraging students to practise scales needn't be an uphill struggle, says Paul Harris - in fact, it can even be fun!
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5 ways to improve playing in thirds
Tips for hand position, bow distribution and intonation from The Strad Archive
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Technique: double bassist Alex Henery gives tips on controlling left-hand finger pressure
How to place down, lift and move your fingers in a way that minimises fatigue, by Alex Henery, principal double bassist of the Sydney Symphony and head of double bass studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
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Premium ❘ Article
Technique: 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.
