All Practice articles – Page 5
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Article
Violinist Hilary Hahn on choosing fingerings
I choose fingerings that don't get in the way of the music and that don't make the passage sound technical' Violinist Hilary Hahn gives advice on choosing fingerings for different passages and works. Read about other leading string players as tutors in the Strad's September issue education ...
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Blogs
Performing from memory has given our string quartet new life
After twelve years together, playing and recording from memory were key to an exciting rebirth for the Chiara Quartet, writes cellist Gregory Beaver
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Blogs
Recording your performance can be more of a hindrance than a help
Israeli cellist and teacher Hillel Zori on the importance of listening in the present
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Article
Violinist James Ehnes on how to make the most of your practice
It helps to have a goal - to say, 'I will accomplish this today'. For me, motivation is easy, as I always have the spectre of failure at the next concert or recording staring at me'Violinist James Ehnes talks to students about how to practise effectively at Wells ...
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Blogs
12 words of wisdom on practice and performance by Burton Kaplan
The Manhattan School of Music pedagogue offered the following guidance to violinist Ariane Todes when she attended his Magic Mountain Music Farm Practice Marathon Retreat in upstate New York this summer
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Article
Cellist David Finckel on smooth bow changes
'Dorothy DeLay said, 'I never saw a bow change that I couldn't hear'. And she's right.' Cellist David Finckel talks about how to achieve smooth and fluid bow changes. Read The Strad's 6 tips for smooth bow changes and David Finckel's 10 habits of successful ...
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Focus
How to use creativity and logic to help your practice
Shelly Tramposh explains how you can practise more effectively by combining the interpretative flair of an artist with the problem-solving skills of an engineer
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Article
Violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen on practising Bach and Brahms
'I play the passage slowly at first, without vibrato, in order to concentrate on bow distribution, speed and developing a more natural line.' Violinist Tamsin Waley Cohen, who has written a Practice Diary for The Strad's August 2014 issue, gives an insight into how she practises ...
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Article
Violinist Itzhak Perlman on vibrato
'One of my pet peeves is vibrato, the most underused tool for music-making' Violinist Itzhak Perlman, who is interviewed in The Strad's July 2014 issue, talks about vibrato. Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial. To purchase ...
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Article
Violinist Itzhak Perlman on practising
'If you learn something slowly, you forget it slowly. If you learn it quickly, you forget it almost immediately' Violinist Itzhak Perlman, who is interviewed in The Strad's July 2014 issue, answers questions about practice. Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part ...
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Blogs
Playing chamber music in adverse conditions can be a useful rehearsal tool
The Strad's assistant editor Pauline Harding performed with her quartet as part of 'Musicircus' at the Aldeburgh Festival – and fought to be heard in a cacophony of whistling winds, brass bands and bongos
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Article
Violinist Jennifer Koh talks about the physical demands on a performer's body
In the third episode of Jennifer Koh's Off Stage On Record series, the violinist talks about the physical demands on a performer's body and the importance of avoiding injury. Read The Strad's guides on How to reduce tension when playing the violin or viola, and 11 stretching ...
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Premium ❘ Feature
How to breathe freely when playing a stringed instrument
Ruth Phillips describes how she persuades musicians to rediscover their body and their instrument through the gentle art of inhaling
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Premium ❘ Feature
How to reduce tension when playing the violin or viola
Mary McGovern provides some advice on holding your instrument without unnecessary spine and shoulder discomfort
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Article
Cellist Dane Johansen demonstrates 'blurred' string-crossing
US cellist Dane Johansen demonstrates 'blurred' string-crossing to accompany his Practice Diary on solo Bach in The Strad's May 2014 issue, out now. Subscribe to The Strad or download our digital edition as part of a 30-day free trial. To purchase single issues click here.
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Blogs
6 pieces of advice for performers by violinist Daniel Hope
The soloist, former Beaux Arts Trio member and associate artistic director of the Savannah Music Festival offers tips for musicians on performing and launching a career
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Article
Study finds long-term goals are as important to musical achievement as instrumental practice
Australian university researchers arrive at results following ten-year investigation
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Focus
Should one borrow, hire or buy the first violin for a beginner?
Teacher Talk: your string teaching questions answered by our panel of experts
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Focus
Practice Diary: The Miró Quartet - part two
In the November issue, second violinist William Fedkenheuer explains how the four players prepare for a recording of Schubert's Quartettsatz. Here he goes into more detail regarding tempo and intonation
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Debate
Use intellect, not instinct
Instead of simply focusing on technical prowess, performers should have as profound an understanding of music theory as composers do, argues cellist David Watkin, since it can only serve to develop their skills