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Improve your playing in the Playing Hub
A lifetime journey of learning: the cellist’s guide to scales and arpeggios
How do you find joy in practising scales? Cellist Robert Jesselson may have the answer, in the form of a new resource for cellists
Technique: Cellist Inbal Megiddo on removing tension in the left hand
The cellist shares tips on achieving a tension-free left-hand set-up
Technique: Violist Clifton Harrison on bowing arm movement
Clifton Harrison examines continuity and intention in the right arm
Blogs
A lifetime journey of learning: the cellist’s guide to scales and arpeggios
How do you find joy in practising scales? Cellist Robert Jesselson may have the answer, in the form of a new resource for cellists
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Cellist Inbal Megiddo on removing tension in the left hand
The cellist shares tips on achieving a tension-free left-hand set-up
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Violist Clifton Harrison on bowing arm movement
Clifton Harrison examines continuity and intention in the right arm
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
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
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
‘We still get nervous’: violinist Brett Yang on performance nerves
The key to dealing with performance anxiety and nerves is to have the confidence to gain more experience performing, says the violinist
Opinion: The Wisdom of Yoda
In the Star Wars universe, Jedi Master Yoda is the ultimate teacher – and his insights can be applied just as readily to string playing as to learning the ways of the Force, writes cellist Brian Hodges
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
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!
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
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
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
Violinist Aaron Rosand on how to produce a good vibrato
The American violinist examines the role of vibrato in enhancing sound and providing character. From 2017
‘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
BlogsA week of practice: cellist Hadewych van Gent
The cellist outlines her practice regime in the run up to her debut recording for the Royal Academy Bicentenary Series, Voice
BlogsVictor le Masne: how I composed the official theme for the Olympics
The musical director and composer of the official musical theme for the Paris 2024 Olympics shares his insights on creating a work that celebrates and reflects the excellence and dedication of athletes
BlogsHow to unlock hidden potential: Redefining progress and the problem of procrastination
Violinist Hector Scott shares his insights into how to make practice engaging and help a pupil become a better version of themselves. In part one of three, he tackles the matter of redefining progress and the problem of procrastination
Blogs
A week of practice: cellist Hadewych van Gent
The cellist outlines her practice regime in the run up to her debut recording for the Royal Academy Bicentenary Series, Voice
Blogs
Victor le Masne: how I composed the official theme for the Olympics
The musical director and composer of the official musical theme for the Paris 2024 Olympics shares his insights on creating a work that celebrates and reflects the excellence and dedication of athletes
Blogs
How to unlock hidden potential: Redefining progress and the problem of procrastination
Violinist Hector Scott shares his insights into how to make practice engaging and help a pupil become a better version of themselves. In part one of three, he tackles the matter of redefining progress and the problem of procrastination
Masterclass: Schubert Fantasy for violin and piano – part two
In the second of a two-part article, violinist Alena Baeva continues the exploration of this epic piece, which she sees as a metaphor for life
Masterclass: Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider on Elgar’s Violin Concerto
The violin soloist, chamber musician and conductor gives practical advice on the great English composer’s noble string work. From November 2010
Masterclass: Ida Haendel on Bach’s Chaconne in D minor
To mark the 120th anniversary of The Strad, the great virtuoso Ida Haendel draws on a lifetime of playing to explore what is for many the pinnacle of the solo violin repertoire. From the May 2010 issue.
Masterclass: Schubert Fantasy for violin and piano – part two
In the second of a two-part article, violinist Alena Baeva continues the exploration of this epic piece, which she sees as a metaphor for life
Masterclass: Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider on Elgar’s Violin Concerto
The violin soloist, chamber musician and conductor gives practical advice on the great English composer’s noble string work. From November 2010
Masterclass: Ida Haendel on Bach’s Chaconne in D minor
To mark the 120th anniversary of The Strad, the great virtuoso Ida Haendel draws on a lifetime of playing to explore what is for many the pinnacle of the solo violin repertoire. From the May 2010 issue.
More from the Playing Hub
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
Our bow is our breath: cellist John-Henry Crawford
Understanding the relationship between the bow and the voice is key to creating a singing line, as the cellist discovered while preparing his new album Voice of Rachmaninoff
Vibrato: three reminders from our online editor Davina Shum
Don’t overdo it and avoid slipping into auto-pilot mode, writes the cellist
Masterclass: Schubert Fantasy for violin and piano – part two
In the second of a two-part article, violinist Alena Baeva continues the exploration of this epic piece, which she sees as a metaphor for life
Masterclass: Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider on Elgar’s Violin Concerto
The violin soloist, chamber musician and conductor gives practical advice on the great English composer’s noble string work. From November 2010
Masterclass: Ida Haendel on Bach’s Chaconne in D minor
To mark the 120th anniversary of The Strad, the great virtuoso Ida Haendel draws on a lifetime of playing to explore what is for many the pinnacle of the solo violin repertoire. From the May 2010 issue.
Masterclass: Schubert Fantasy for violin and piano – part one
Violinist Alena Baeva stresses the importance of slow and attentive practice when embarking on the opening sections of this monumental work, in the first of a two-part article
Masterclass: Schubert Fantasy for violin and piano – part two
In the second of a two-part article, violinist Alena Baeva continues the exploration of this epic piece, which she sees as a metaphor for life
Masterclass: Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider on Elgar’s Violin Concerto
The violin soloist, chamber musician and conductor gives practical advice on the great English composer’s noble string work. From November 2010
Masterclass: Ida Haendel on Bach’s Chaconne in D minor
To mark the 120th anniversary of The Strad, the great virtuoso Ida Haendel draws on a lifetime of playing to explore what is for many the pinnacle of the solo violin repertoire. From the May 2010 issue.
Masterclass: Schubert Fantasy for violin and piano – part one
Violinist Alena Baeva stresses the importance of slow and attentive practice when embarking on the opening sections of this monumental work, in the first of a two-part article
Barefoot in winter: Tina Davidson on composing for strings
US composer Tina Davidson on her ’lifelong love affair with the string family’ and the creative journey behind her new album for string quartet and piano
Chamber music is the best way to nurture motivation and passion in young musicians: cellist Dmitri Atapine
The co-director of Music@Menlo’s Chamber Music Institute Young Performers Program outlines how chamber music can provide an inspirational whirlwind for aspiring musicians and artists
Postcard from Norway: Bergen International Festival
At the Bergen International Festival in Norway, Tim Homfray enjoyed some first-rate chamber performances as well as Hardanger fiddle music – and an unlikely heatwave
Great violinists: Arthur Grumiaux
Julian Haylock examines a performer whose aristocratic poise and purity of tone combined to perfection in Bach and Mozart, in this article from June 2010
Barefoot in winter: Tina Davidson on composing for strings
US composer Tina Davidson on her ’lifelong love affair with the string family’ and the creative journey behind her new album for string quartet and piano
Chamber music is the best way to nurture motivation and passion in young musicians: cellist Dmitri Atapine
The co-director of Music@Menlo’s Chamber Music Institute Young Performers Program outlines how chamber music can provide an inspirational whirlwind for aspiring musicians and artists
Postcard from Norway: Bergen International Festival
At the Bergen International Festival in Norway, Tim Homfray enjoyed some first-rate chamber performances as well as Hardanger fiddle music – and an unlikely heatwave
Great violinists: Arthur Grumiaux
Julian Haylock examines a performer whose aristocratic poise and purity of tone combined to perfection in Bach and Mozart, in this article from June 2010
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