Technique – Page 2
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Trills and embellishments: exercises from Wilhelmj and Brown’s A Modern School for Violin
Violist Misha Galaganov recommends exercises from August Wilhelmj and James Brown’s out-of-print A Modern School for Violin, to accompany his Technique article in the October 2021 issue
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3 simple trill exercises for players and teachers
Professor of viola and chair of strings at Texas Christian University Misha Galaganov offers technical advice on how to play and teach trills
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Replacing shifts with a stretch: Daniil Shafran’s left-hand technique
Oskar Falta examines Soviet cellist Daniil Shafran’s unique left-hand technique and vibrato in this extract from the September 2021 issue
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Walter Reiter’s exercises to improve Baroque playing
The violinist offers tips on how narrate emotions through the bow when playing Baroque music
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Left-hand agility in Dont Etude op.35 no.8
In this extract from the May 1999 issue, violinist Zakhar Bron shares tips on hand shape and intonation when playing thirds in Dont Etude op.35 no.8
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Avoiding the ‘neutral zone’- what to do with your bow when playing violin trills
Violinist Zakhar Bron discusses creating a smooth line when playing trills in the op.36 no.6 etude by Dont
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Premium ❘ Feature
Violin Masterclass: Playing Thirds in Dont’s Etude op.35 no.8
Violin teacher Zakhar Bron provides tips for practising the op.35 no.8 Etude by Dont
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Debate
Opinion: An integrated whole
By divorcing technique from the music, we prevent the bow from becoming an extension of our right arm and hand, writes John Crawford
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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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What technical exercise has brought you the swiftest results?
The Strad's panel of experts answer string teaching questions from readers as part of our Teacher Talk series
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Article
Nine steps to mastering violin vibrato
Dr Rebecca McLeod, associate professor of music education at the University of North Carolina, gives a guide to achieving a good vibrato - from establishing a relaxed position to mastering a smooth, even motion
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9 tips for flexibility in the right hand
A look in The Strad archive for wisdom regarding the importance of flexibility in the bowing arm, hand and fingers
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'Popper's cello studies force you to know the fingerboard inside out'
The cellist and Boston Conservatory chair of strings considers the value of the composer's etudes
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Article
Cellist Paul Katz on creating your ideal sound with vibrato
The New England Conservatory cello professor describes how to vary hand position to produce your desired vibrato sound
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6 ways to perfect your double-stops
Tips from The Strad’s archive on producing even and finely tuned double-stops
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Feature
How knowledge of physics can improve your sound
Understanding the basic physics of string movement can help us produce a richer, more ringing tone, says professor of violin Wendy Case
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Article
A 30-minute daily practice routine for violinists and violists
How to keep your playing in shape while maintaining a busy schedule, by Misha Galaganov, professor of viola and chamber music at Texas Christian University, TX, US
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6 tips for improved coordination
Guidance from The Strad’s archive for greater synchronisation between left-hand fingers and bow
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Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: A 30-minute routine to keep your playing on top form
Ideas to help violinists and violists maintain high technical and musical standards around a busy regime
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Premium ❘ Focus
Technique: strum bowing
A guitar technique adapted for violin, to help bowed string players plug into their inner groove. By Tracy Silverman, electric violinist, author of The Strum Bowing Method, string faculty member at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and jazz clinic and workshop tutor worldwide