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Improve your playing in the Playing Hub
Technique: Thoughts on bowing
Charles Castleman explores a range of approaches to teaching bowing techniques
Technique: Finding the right bass technique for you
Why double bass technique needs to be tailored to the physicality of the individual player
Technique: Playing in the high register of the cello
Guy Johnston offers tips and exercises to improve playing in the cello’s high register
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Thoughts on bowing
Charles Castleman explores a range of approaches to teaching bowing techniques
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Finding the right bass technique for you
Why double bass technique needs to be tailored to the physicality of the individual player
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Playing in the high register of the cello
Guy Johnston offers tips and exercises to improve playing in the cello’s high register
7 tips on adjustments to get the best out of your instrument
The finest Stradivari in the world will sound poor if it is badly set up. Here are some points to consider sourced from our archive
Opinion: why don’t string players practice pizzicato?
Perfecting bowing is a lifelong quest for string players – but what about pizzicato? Cellist Davina Shum advocates setting aside some dedicated practice time to this neglected technique
Opinion: why don’t string players practice pizzicato?
Perfecting bowing is a lifelong quest for string players – but what about pizzicato? Cellist Davina Shum advocates setting aside some dedicated practice time to this neglected technique
7 pointers for perfect pizzicato
Advice on plucking and strumming from 120 years of The Strad
How harmonics and singing can help to build a sound technique
Violin and viola pedagogue Jane Metcalfe discusses using techniques inspired by Kodály and Colourstrings methods
Stress is our friend, not our foe: how to manage stress to perform at your best
Cellist and researcher Joanna Latała encourages positively reframing the feeling of stress, and offers strategies on how to transform it into a force for growth and success
Stress is our friend, not our foe: how to manage stress to perform at your best
Cellist and researcher Joanna Latała encourages positively reframing the feeling of stress, and offers strategies on how to transform it into a force for growth and success
Positive self-talk: a key to boosting musicians’ confidence
Cellist and researcher Joanna Latała shares methods for how to enhance your performance with affirming language, plus what musicians can learn from top athletes and sports psychology
Aija Reke: how to deal with performance anxiety
The violinist gives tips on how to build your confidence on stage through her own experiences and examples from literature
Technique: Finding your voice on the viola
Susie Mészáros’s thoughts on shifting and articulation
Technique: Finding your voice on the viola
Susie Mészáros’s thoughts on shifting and articulation
Blue Sky Teaching: Using creative approaches to refine students’ technique
In our June 2019 issue, Judith Kogan spoke with three string teachers, all based in North America and whose unique ideas are achieving significant results
Vibrato: three reminders from our online editor Davina Shum
Don’t overdo it and avoid slipping into auto-pilot mode, writes the cellist
Vibrato: three reminders from our online editor Davina Shum
Don’t overdo it and avoid slipping into auto-pilot mode, writes the cellist
The Art of Vibrato: Techniques and Tips for Violinists
Donna Maurer offers six tips to help violinists master the technique of vibrato
Should vibrato exercises be practised separately from the repertoire?
Teacher Talk: your string teaching questions answered by our panel of experts. From 2011
Interpreting Dvořák vs. Mozart — a technical perspective for violinists
Grace Park provides a mini masterclass on how violinists can bring to life to the stylistic and musical qualities of the two seemingly opposite composers
The Art of Vibrato: Techniques and Tips for Violinists
Donna Maurer offers six tips to help violinists master the technique of vibrato
‘We just love what we do’: 21 years of the Sacconi Quartet
Comprising violinists Ben Hancox and Hannah Dawson, violist Robin Ashwell and cellist Cara Berridge, the members of the Sacconi Quartet chat with The Strad about their guiding principles throughout their shared history together, as well as as some memorable performances
‘We just love what we do’: 21 years of the Sacconi Quartet
Comprising violinists Ben Hancox and Hannah Dawson, violist Robin Ashwell and cellist Cara Berridge, the members of the Sacconi Quartet chat with The Strad about their guiding principles throughout their shared history together, as well as as some memorable performances
Ask the Experts: how to encourage students to trust their ears
A reader asks what can be done to help young students who rely on learning finger placement rather than trusting their ears. Three teachers give their views
4 ways Bach can improve your playing: Violinist Rebeca Nuez Suarez
Rebeca Nuez Suarez reflects on the application of Bach’s Solo Violin Sonatas and Partitas in the technical and musical development of young performers
How to memorise earlier and smarter: Adam Hockman
The practice and performance consultant identifies what causes memory slips and gives tips on improving memorisation technique
How to memorise earlier and smarter: Adam Hockman
The practice and performance consultant identifies what causes memory slips and gives tips on improving memorisation technique
How to improve your aural skills and ditch your sheet music in 5 easy steps
Simplicity, curiosity and diligence are the keys to learning by ear, according to violinist Lissa Schneckenburger
Should soloists always perform music from memory?
Pointless and terrifying, or essential for musical communication? Playing without the music arouses some strong opinions, finds Laurinel Owen
Numbness of the fingers in violinists: what causes it and how can you fix it?
J.L.H. Thomas delves into a physical exploration of what causes numbness, as well as exercises to help strengthen muscles to alleviate its symptoms
Numbness of the fingers in violinists: what causes it and how can you fix it?
J.L.H. Thomas delves into a physical exploration of what causes numbness, as well as exercises to help strengthen muscles to alleviate its symptoms
Setting up the left hand: a guide for beginner violinists
Rachael Ridge gives some helpful pointers and a step-by-step guide delving into the nitty-gritty of left-hand set-up
Cornerstones for violinists: the Australian violinist and teacher Alice Waten on left-hand set-up
The Australian violin pedagogue Alice Waten (1947-2022) shared advice on achieving fluidity and expressivity in the left hand in an interview with Joy Lee from early 2022
BlogsTemple of resonance: Brooklyn Rider’s Philip Glass marathon
Brooklyn Rider’s Johnny Gandelsman and Michael Nicolas reflect on the ensemble’s long relationship with Philip Glass’s music for string quartet, which they will perform complete in a three-night marathon
Premium ❘ FeatureThe power of three: the string trio
Jacqueline Vanasse explores the unique properties of the string trio, delving into its history and repertoire with the guidance of some of today’s top trio players
BlogsCelebrating 20 years of Ensemble 360
Founding member of Ensemble 360 Tim Horton shares how programming for upcoming appearances at the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival is a reflection on the group’s musical journey and evolution over the last 20 years
Blogs
Temple of resonance: Brooklyn Rider’s Philip Glass marathon
Brooklyn Rider’s Johnny Gandelsman and Michael Nicolas reflect on the ensemble’s long relationship with Philip Glass’s music for string quartet, which they will perform complete in a three-night marathon
Premium ❘ Feature
The power of three: the string trio
Jacqueline Vanasse explores the unique properties of the string trio, delving into its history and repertoire with the guidance of some of today’s top trio players
Blogs
Celebrating 20 years of Ensemble 360
Founding member of Ensemble 360 Tim Horton shares how programming for upcoming appearances at the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival is a reflection on the group’s musical journey and evolution over the last 20 years
Masterclass: Mozart Violin Concerto no.4 in D major, first movement
Remembering that Mozart was an opera composer and understanding harmonies are the keys to bringing out the various characters in this work, says violinist Tobias Feldmann
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto no.3 in B minor, first movement
Violinist Benjamin Beilman explores how to navigate the athletic virtuosity of a work that requires the soloist to have firm technical and musical command
Masterclass: Mozart Violin Concerto no.4 in D major, first movement
Remembering that Mozart was an opera composer and understanding harmonies are the keys to bringing out the various characters in this work, says violinist Tobias Feldmann
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto no.3 in B minor, first movement
Violinist Benjamin Beilman explores how to navigate the athletic virtuosity of a work that requires the soloist to have firm technical and musical command
Masterclass: Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style op.102, first piece
Cellist Trey Lee shares how a particular painting in London’s National Gallery provided his inspiration for this movement, which can be seen as a metaphor for life
More from the Playing Hub
Opinion: why don’t string players practice pizzicato?
Perfecting bowing is a lifelong quest for string players – but what about pizzicato? Cellist Davina Shum advocates setting aside some dedicated practice time to this neglected technique
Cornerstones for violinists: the Australian violinist and teacher Alice Waten on left-hand set-up
The Australian violin pedagogue Alice Waten (1947-2022) shared advice on achieving fluidity and expressivity in the left hand in an interview with Joy Lee from early 2022
Five tips for achieving flawless legato for violinists and violists
Artists from The Strad’s extensive back catalogue share their insights on playing smoothly with the bow arm
Technique: Violin bow landings with Gina McCormack
Violinist Gina McCormack on teaching bow landings in reference to Mozart
Masterclass: Mozart Violin Concerto no.4 in D major, first movement
Remembering that Mozart was an opera composer and understanding harmonies are the keys to bringing out the various characters in this work, says violinist Tobias Feldmann
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto no.3 in B minor, first movement
Violinist Benjamin Beilman explores how to navigate the athletic virtuosity of a work that requires the soloist to have firm technical and musical command
Masterclass: Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style op.102, first piece
Cellist Trey Lee shares how a particular painting in London’s National Gallery provided his inspiration for this movement, which can be seen as a metaphor for life
Masterclass: Ravel Piano Trio, first movement
Keeping in mind Ravel’s orchestral sound palette is key to letting colour direct the myriad character and mood changes in this lilting movement, says cellist Carrie Bean Stute
Masterclass: Mozart Violin Concerto no.4 in D major, first movement
Remembering that Mozart was an opera composer and understanding harmonies are the keys to bringing out the various characters in this work, says violinist Tobias Feldmann
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto no.3 in B minor, first movement
Violinist Benjamin Beilman explores how to navigate the athletic virtuosity of a work that requires the soloist to have firm technical and musical command
Masterclass: Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style op.102, first piece
Cellist Trey Lee shares how a particular painting in London’s National Gallery provided his inspiration for this movement, which can be seen as a metaphor for life
Masterclass: Ravel Piano Trio, first movement
Keeping in mind Ravel’s orchestral sound palette is key to letting colour direct the myriad character and mood changes in this lilting movement, says cellist Carrie Bean Stute
Concerti in time of war: Double bass virtuoso James VanDemark premieres two new works by Ukrainian composers
In a powerful convergence of musical collaboration and cultural solidarity, James VanDemark premieres a pair of concerti he has commissioned from Ukrainian composers Maksim Kolomiiets and Mykhailo Shved
Music between friends: Sheku Kanneh-Mason on his new album, ‘Shostakovich & Britten’
The British cellist speaks to The Strad about his deeply personal new album, the influence of Rostropovich and the emotional extremes that keep him returning to this music.
‘Curiosity is at the core of human nature’ - Roberto Díaz’s life lessons
The US–Chilean violist and director of the Curtis Institute of Music discusses the importance of technique and curiosity
‘We hope this unjust penalising of ’cellists will disappear’ - From the archive: May 1925
Not planes but trains: a century ago, cellists were up in arms about railway operators charging extra to allow instruments on board. Pedagogue Carl Fuchs reveals the result of the latest petition
Concerti in time of war: Double bass virtuoso James VanDemark premieres two new works by Ukrainian composers
In a powerful convergence of musical collaboration and cultural solidarity, James VanDemark premieres a pair of concerti he has commissioned from Ukrainian composers Maksim Kolomiiets and Mykhailo Shved
Music between friends: Sheku Kanneh-Mason on his new album, ‘Shostakovich & Britten’
The British cellist speaks to The Strad about his deeply personal new album, the influence of Rostropovich and the emotional extremes that keep him returning to this music.
‘Curiosity is at the core of human nature’ - Roberto Díaz’s life lessons
The US–Chilean violist and director of the Curtis Institute of Music discusses the importance of technique and curiosity
‘We hope this unjust penalising of ’cellists will disappear’ - From the archive: May 1925
Not planes but trains: a century ago, cellists were up in arms about railway operators charging extra to allow instruments on board. Pedagogue Carl Fuchs reveals the result of the latest petition
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