September

We talk to violist Tabea Zimmermann and report on an innovative adult strings camp in Denver. There’s a look at the the history of lutherie in Berlin and a tribute to the late double bassist Gary Karr. Plus an Ysaÿe Masterclass and Thomas Demenga’s Sentimental Work.

September 2025 Cover

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From this month's magazine

Tabea Zimmermann: climb every mountain

German violist Tabea Zimmermann chats with Pauline Harding about auditions, competitions, her teaching philosophy, what she’s learnt from contemporary music – and how a combination of working with students and performing has enabled her to reach ever greater heights of string playing

Making Matters: The consequences of a pernambuco ban

With a worldwide ban on the pernambuco trade again becoming a real possibility, Christian Lloyd looks at the potential consequences for musicians, makers, dealers and anyone who loves instrument bows

Gary Karr: 1941–2025

The great and influential US double bassist died in July. His former student David Murray, now bass professor at the Butler School of Music, looks back at ‘a legend, artist, teacher and friend’

September 2025: Editor’s welcome and contents

The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the education-themed September 2025 issue, starring German violist and educator Tabea Zimmermann

Cover story

3_Tabea_Zimmermann_CR_Marco_Borggreve

Tabea Zimmermann: climb every mountain

German violist Tabea Zimmermann chats with Pauline Harding about auditions, competitions, her teaching philosophy, what she’s learnt from contemporary music – and how a combination of working with students and performing has enabled her to reach ever greater heights of string playing

Playing

Saffron Benedetti Sessions_Rachel Cooper_credit Celia Bartlett

String teachers’ development: sharing the wisdom

Teaching often forms a major part of a string player’s career, but how and where do they develop the skills required? Peter Somerford hears from pedagogues, course leaders and graduates about the options

Lutherie

NEW (69)

Lutherie in Berlin: Berlin calling

While some European capitals have a well-documented history of violin making, Berlin has passed under the radar. Daniel Kogge looks at some of the German capital’s most prominent makers from the 18th century onwards

Technique

Max Baillie by James Champion

Technique: effective practice technique

Advice on how to develop your own method of practice, for violinists and violists

Masterclass

Photo2 cr Titilayo Ayangade

Masterclass: Ysaÿe’s Rêve d’enfant op.14 for violin and piano

Violinist Nancy Zhou demonstrates the breadth of Ysaÿe’s expressive devices in an intimate piece dedicated to his son

Trade Secrets

4

Trade Secrets: Fitting a marquetry inlay

A guide to adding a unique, personalised touch to an instrument front or back