This year’s convention is taking place in Amersfoort, the Netherlands

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The Strad at ESTA 2025, left to right: David, Mariette, and Lauren

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The 53rd International Conference of the European String Teachers Association is currently under way, taking place until 1 June in the city of Amersfoort, the Netherlands. Visit The Strad next to Café Bruis on the fourth floor of the Eemhuis, grab your free copy of the June issue, and say hi to Lauren, Mariette and David!

Beyond strolling alongside the idyllic canals, we’ve already watched three concerts featuring talented young musicians from across the Netherlands, received  a warm welcome from the mayor of Amersfoort, and were treated to some tasty bitterballen. And it’s only just beginning!

If you’re in the area, do be sure to drop by and make The Strad your first stop.

Best of Technique

In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.

Masterclass

The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.

Calendars

The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.