More teaching – Page 19
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DebateIn their focus on technical prowess, conservatoires neglect music theory
Instinct isn't enough for true musicality. Instead of simply drilling technique, performers should have a profound an understanding of music theory, argues cellist David Watkin
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DebatePerformance improves when exposed to audiences – even imaginary ones
Students and parents alike need to understand that a good performance has to be developed and nurtured from the earliest stages, argues Naomi Yandell
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BlogsPlaying the violin places constant strain on the body, yet we leave posture to chance
A holistic approach to teaching should treat healthy body position as seriously as scales and etudes
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Blogs6 mindfulness techniques for music teachers
Mindfulness is an invaluable tool for teaching students how to concentrate on-stage, improve awareness in the practice room, play pain-free, and move on from disappointing auditions or performance experiences, writes Dr. Travis Baird
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FocusTechnique: Two-octave scales and arpeggios
An essential way to improve tone and intonation by Michael Frischenschlager, professor emeritus of violin at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna
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DebateWhat French television's classical talent show 'Prodiges' can teach us about elitism
The programme, a classical equivalent of The X Factor, has proven to be hugely popular. Does it matter that the young contestants are not exactly prodigies?
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FocusAsk the Experts: buying a student's first full-size violin
What should parents think about when it comes to buying their child a full-sized instrument? As three seasoned tutors attest, there are many things to consider
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DebateWhen it comes to education, we mustn't lose sight of music for music’s sake
It’s tempting to promote the wider educational benefits of studying music to those who would seek to marginalise it – but we should never be shy in endorsing the arts as important in their own right
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DebatePut yourself in your beginner students' shoes by trying to learn a new instrument from scratch
For most teachers the feeling of clumsiness associated with beginning an instrument from scratch is a distant memory. With the help of Grade1athons, however, it can all come flooding back, as violin tutor Naomi Yandell describes
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FocusConquering performance nerves: starting well and keeping tempo on track
Brian Hodges answers student questions on coping with stage fright
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FocusDouble stopping on the cello: How to play passages of 3rds and 6ths with more fluidity
Technique advice, exercises and repertoire examples from Lionel Handy, cello professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Birmingham Conservatoire and Winchester College, UK
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FocusNatural playing on violin and viola, inspired by the Alexander Technique
Exercises to release tension and improve ease of movement when playing the violin by Tomas Cotik, violin professor at Portland State University
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FocusRenaud Capuçon: the mentee becomes the mentor
This has been a year of achievements for Renaud Capuçon – from celebrating the fifth anniversary of his Aix Easter Festival to winning an ECHO Klassik award – yet the French violinist is happiest when mentoring the next generation of talented musicians, finds Charlotte Gardner
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FocusContact points: controlling your sound through the position of your bow on the string
New England Conservatory and Juilliard School cello faculty member Natasha Brofsky introduces a set of exercises for exploring the tone, colour and expressive potential of a well-controlled bow, plus three videos showing the techniques in action
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FocusWhat I’d tell my younger self – Joel Krosnick
Two years after his 42-season career with the Juilliard Quartet came to an end, the American cellist reflects on lessons learned
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DebateIs an emphasis on competitiveness killing conservatoire students' joy in music making?
Are conservatoires fostering an atmosphere of joyful music making and generosity among peers? After attending two very contrasting concerts Charlotte Gardner believes more could be done to achieve this
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ArticleFlying high: an El Sistema inspired music education programme in China
Inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, China’s Wings of Music aims to bring dignity and self-belief to some of the country’s most deprived children. Nancy Pellegrini reports in this article from 2013
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VideoHenning Kraggerud's Musical Calendar
In this video, recorded over the course of 2016, Norwegian violinist and composer Henning Kraggerud and his then nine-year-old daughter Alma play his Musical Calendar. Composed as a Christmas gift to friends and family in 1992, the Musical Calendar features a duet for each month of the year. All the ...
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FocusWhat is the best scale system for string students?
The Strad's panel of teaching experts answer reader questions as part of the magazine's Teacher talk series
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FocusHow do you choose instrumental repertoire for a student?
The Strad's panel of experts answer string teaching questions from readers as part of our Teacher Talk series