All Practice articles – Page 2
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Focus
6 ways to improve shifting for string players
Advice on how to shift smoothly and cleanly from The Strad archives
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Double bass beginners should play in all left-hand positions
Thomas Martin pinpoints some common technical problems for young bassists and insists that beginners shouldn't be restricted to playing in the lower positions. From the May 2014 issue
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6 tips for teaching young violinists by Suzuki instructor Teri Einfeldt
The University of Hartford Suzuki Department chair shares her methods for teaching children
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Blogs
5 pieces of advice for playing Bach by violinist Lisa Batiashvili
The artist shares her ideas about performing works of the great Baroque composer
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Blogs
Top tips for putting the joy into practice
Violinist Maren Bosma offers seven helpful tips to make practice sessions fun, varied and productive
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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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7 warming up and cooling down exercises for musicians
Suggested warm-ups prior to playing and cool-down stretches following performance and/or practice
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Four alternative methods to make sure your practice efforts survive the pressures of performance
A violist with a background in neuroscience, Molly Gebrian shares some alternative practice methods informed by studies on how our brain processes learning
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Blogs
Never practise for more than five hours per day, says violinist Itzhak Perlman
Marking the violinist's 75th birthday, we republish this feature from our archive in which Perlman warns against the dangers of over-practising
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7 ways to harness mental practice for musicians
Tips for using mental imaging to boost your musical practice regime from The Strad’s archive
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7 views on repetitive practice
Is repetition the most effective mode of practice? Debate from The Strad Archive
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Debate
Opinion: In the Public Eye
The primary purpose of a musician is to be heard by an audience – yet so many performers are self-conscious about the idea of their practice being observed and judged. Perhaps it’s time to practise out in the open, writes Toby Deller
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How important is happiness for effective practising?
Adopting a positive mindset helps to prime you for learning, writes musician and performance psychology expert Christine Carter
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Premium ❘ Feature
How to play with a flexible bowing arm by cellist Gary Hoffman
The American musician explains how he developed a supple and varied bow arm motion, guided by his ear and musical instinct
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Premium ❘ Feature
Is repetitive practice a good or a bad thing?
A prolonged, sickening and monotonous repetition of a section of music or the legitimate means of mastering a difficult passage? Joseph O'Doherty weighs up the two sides.
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Premium ❘ Feature
How to develop fourth finger strength
String students often suffer from weakness in the little finger, but this can be overcome, writes James Winram in the Strad's July 1913 issue
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Premium ❘ Feature
Me and my teacher: Dan Styffe and Gary Karr
The double bass virtuoso taught Styffe how to control the pressures of the world outside the teaching studio
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Focus
12 ways to encourage children to practise
Finding the right level of involvement in a child’s instrumental practice can be a tricky balancing act. Cellist and pedagogue Oliver Gledhill offers some strategic guidance
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7 mental techniques to boost your practice
Effective practice without the frustration and drudgery? Piet Koornhot looks at ways to direct your imagination.