- News
- For Subscribers
- Student Hub
- Playing Hub
- Podcast
- Lutherie
- Magazine
- Magazine archive
- Whether you're a player, maker, teacher or enthusiast, you'll find ideas and inspiration from leading artists, teachers and luthiers in our archive which features every issue published since January 2010 - available exclusively to subscribers. View the archive.
- Jobs
- Shop
- Directory
- Contact us
- Subscribe
- School Subscription
- Competitions
- Reviews
- Debate
- Artists
- Accessories
Violinist Hilary Hahn withdraws from the Proms due to injury
Collaboration, communication and preparation: why the US Open mixed doubles champions are the ultimate chamber players
Callisto Quartet appoints new first violinist
Fundraiser launched for Utah violinist detained by ICE
Double bassist Uxía Martínez Botana signs with Fuga Libera
String tension? Tennis player Novak Djokovic and violin appear in a new Asics ad
The bow hold still needs work, Novak
‘Nobody should have to go through that’: cellist refused boarding on Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines refused to accommodate for Andrew Shulman and his instrument and forced him to rebook with Delta, despite him having booked extra seats
‘The two most memorable days of my entire professional life’: meeting Shostakovich in 1972
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death, Michael Downes speaks to the original members of the Fitzwilliam Quartet about their recollections of meeting the great Russian composer in York and performing his String Quartet no.13
Playing Hub
String teachers’ development: sharing the wisdom
Teaching often forms a major part of a string player’s career, but how and where do they develop the skills required? Peter Somerford hears from pedagogues, course leaders and graduates about the options
Session Report: cellist Anastasia Kobekina on recording the Bach Solo Cello Suites
Cellist Anastasia Kobekina tells Charlotte Gardner about her approach to recording the monumental Bach Solo Cello Suites, and how it has resulted in her most personal album to date
Sentimental Work: Thomas Demenga on Haydn’s Cello Concerto no.2 in D major
For the Swiss cellist, studying the original score of Haydn’s Cello Concerto no.2 in D major was the key to understanding the composer’s intentions
Notes between friends: Denver Adult Strings Camp
When violinist Sarah Jylkka launched a summer camp for adult string learners in Colorado, she was overwhelmed by the uptake. She speaks to Hattie Butterworth about how the Denver Adult Strings Camp has become a thriving, growing initiative
Collaboration, communication and preparation: why the US Open mixed doubles champions are the ultimate chamber players
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori lifted the trophy at the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles tournament on Wednesday night, showcasing the best of their team player skills not unlike those required in chamber music. Cellist Davina Shum (and The Strad’s resident tennis nut) examines what musicians can learn from these ...
At the edge of the storm: string quartets in a turbulent decade
On its new album Edge of the Storm, the San Francisco-based Telegraph Quartet explores string quartets born of war, exile and renewal.
Premium ❘ Feature
String teachers’ development: sharing the wisdom
Teaching often forms a major part of a string player’s career, but how and where do they develop the skills required? Peter Somerford hears from pedagogues, course leaders and graduates about the options
Premium ❘ Feature
Session Report: cellist Anastasia Kobekina on recording the Bach Solo Cello Suites
Cellist Anastasia Kobekina tells Charlotte Gardner about her approach to recording the monumental Bach Solo Cello Suites, and how it has resulted in her most personal album to date
Premium ❘ Feature
String teachers’ development: sharing the wisdom
Teaching often forms a major part of a string player’s career, but how and where do they develop the skills required? Peter Somerford hears from pedagogues, course leaders and graduates about the options
Premium ❘ Focus
Postcard from Prague: Metelka Violin Making Competition
John Dilworth was a very hands-on judge at the 2025 Metelka Violin Making Competition, where he was gratified to find the art of lutherie in a healthy state
Premium ❘ Focus
Sentimental Work: Nadia Sirota on Hindemith’s Trauermusik
Despite its short length, Hindemith’s Trauermusik was an eye-opening concerto for the US violist, revealing all the possibilities of the instrument’s sound world
Competitions
Singapore International Violin Competition extends its application deadline
The deadline for the 2026 competition, which will offer USD 110,000 in prize money, instrument loans from the Rin Collection, and performance opportunities, is now 15 August
Teenage violinists triumph at 2025 Atlanta Festival Academy Young Artist Competition
14-year-old violinist Kazuki Kyo took the grand prize of $10,000 in the Young Artist division, with additional prizes awarded in the Senior and Junior divisions dominated by young violinists
Finalists selected for the 2025 Barbash J.S. Bach Competition
Three violinists and a violist will perform at the final round on 16 October 2025
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Nick Martin’s new Violin Concerto for Tamsin Waley-Cohen
A lyrical violin concerto influenced by a work of art
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: September 2025
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Beethoven Violin Sonata No.9 ‘Kreutzer’, first movement
Capturing the music’s sense of tumultuous energy is key to portraying Beethoven’s unpredictable character in this movement, says violinist Kristin Lee
Masterclass: Dvořák String Quartet no.12 ‘American’, second movement
Cellist of the Dover Quartet Camden Shaw illustrates the importance of sound exploration in this bittersweet movement that can be seen as a metaphor for life and its many tribulations
Masterclass: Beethoven Violin Sonata No.9 ‘Kreutzer’, first movement
Capturing the music’s sense of tumultuous energy is key to portraying Beethoven’s unpredictable character in this movement, says violinist Kristin Lee
Masterclass: Dvořák String Quartet no.12 ‘American’, second movement
Cellist of the Dover Quartet Camden Shaw illustrates the importance of sound exploration in this bittersweet movement that can be seen as a metaphor for life and its many tribulations
Masterclass: Schumann Fantasiestücke for cello and piano
These three pieces pose an opportunity to create a dream-like sound world illustrating love in all its forms, says cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to practise effectively with violinist Ray Chen
The first in our new four-part education themed podcast series features our September 2024 cover star
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
Competitions
Singapore International Violin Competition extends its application deadline
The deadline for the 2026 competition, which will offer USD 110,000 in prize money, instrument loans from the Rin Collection, and performance opportunities, is now 15 August
Teenage violinists triumph at 2025 Atlanta Festival Academy Young Artist Competition
14-year-old violinist Kazuki Kyo took the grand prize of $10,000 in the Young Artist division, with additional prizes awarded in the Senior and Junior divisions dominated by young violinists
Finalists selected for the 2025 Barbash J.S. Bach Competition
Three violinists and a violist will perform at the final round on 16 October 2025
Violinist Maya Magub celebrates Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 150th anniversary with ‘Valse Mauresque’
Magub performs alongside pianist Matthew Schellhorn, on a work that features on their new album of Coleridge Taylor’s Four Characteristic Waltzes
Violinist Maya Magub celebrates Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 150th anniversary with ‘Valse Mauresque’
Video: the Brodsky Quartet performs Shostakovich’s 15th Quartet
Signum Quartet performs Priaulx Rainier’s Scherzo
Cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia performs his own composition, ‘Ouróboros’
Cellist Sterling Elliott performs Kevin Day’s ‘Gymnopédie I’
At the World’s Edge: Huw Watkins String Trio no.2
Watch: Alisa Weilerstein performs The Recovery of Paradise: Blackford Cello Concerto
Just Biber: a new video from violinist Rachel Podger
New video: Lembit Beecher’s ‘Green Line’ performed by cellist Karen Ouzounian
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals – day four
- Previous
- Next
Lutherie in Berlin: Berlin calling
While some European capitals have a well-documented history of violin making, Berlin has passed under the radar. Daniel Kogge looks at some of the German capital’s most prominent makers from the 18th century onwards
In Focus: A 1705 violin by Giovanni Battista Rogeri
Julian Hersh examines an instrument made only a few years before the Brescian maker’s death
What viola does Tabea Zimmermann play?
The Strad’s September 2025 cover artist shares details about her instrument and bow
Making Matters: The consequences of a pernambuco ban
With a worldwide ban on the pernambuco trade again becoming a real possibility, Christian Lloyd looks at the potential consequences for musicians, makers, dealers and anyone who loves instrument bows
Postcard from Prague: Metelka Violin Making Competition
John Dilworth was a very hands-on judge at the 2025 Metelka Violin Making Competition, where he was gratified to find the art of lutherie in a healthy state
My Space: Zoltán Délczeg’s Budapest workshop
The luthier presents his shop in the Hungarian capital
Lutherie in Berlin: Berlin calling
While some European capitals have a well-documented history of violin making, Berlin has passed under the radar. Daniel Kogge looks at some of the German capital’s most prominent makers from the 18th century onwards
In Focus: A 1705 violin by Giovanni Battista Rogeri
Julian Hersh examines an instrument made only a few years before the Brescian maker’s death
What viola does Tabea Zimmermann play?
The Strad’s September 2025 cover artist shares details about her instrument and bow
Making Matters: The consequences of a pernambuco ban
With a worldwide ban on the pernambuco trade again becoming a real possibility, Christian Lloyd looks at the potential consequences for musicians, makers, dealers and anyone who loves instrument bows
Postcard from Prague: Metelka Violin Making Competition
John Dilworth was a very hands-on judge at the 2025 Metelka Violin Making Competition, where he was gratified to find the art of lutherie in a healthy state
My Space: Zoltán Délczeg’s Budapest workshop
The luthier presents his shop in the Hungarian capital
Concert review: Simone Porter (violin)
Leah Hollingsworth ventures into the Crypt of the Intercession, New York, on 29 May 2025 for the performance of Reena Esmail, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hildegard von Bingen, Andrew Norman and Biber
Concert review: Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello) Philadelphia Orchestra/Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Bruce Hodges visits Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Hall on 6 June 2025 for the performance of Shostakovich, Natalie Klouda, Saint-Georges and Mozart
Concert review: Ying Quartet, Derek Bermel (clarinet)
Bruce Hodges attends the opening night of the Bowdoin International Music Festival at the Studzinski Recital Hall in Brunswick, Maine, on 30 June 2025
The Strad Recommends: Rachel Podger: Just Biber
Imagination and period-instrument flair are held in perfect accord
The Strad Recommends: Signum Quartet: A Dark Flaring
An album of South African quartets proves profoundly thrilling
The Strad Recommends: Darragh Morgan: For Violin and Electronics Vol.2
Sonic wonders abound to delight and challenge the listener
Book review: The Invisible Force of Music: Tapping into Your Mind and Heart Potential for Performance Music
Anne Inglis reads Paulina Derbez’s book on how to achieve ’a mental, emotional and physical balance within ourselves as artists of sound’
Book review: Liuteria Mantovana Vol.1
Alberto Giordano peruses the first volume in Andrea Zanrè and Philip Kass’s monumental investigation into the violin makers who made their homes in the Italian city of Mantua
Book review: We Knocked Their Socks Off: The First American-Trained String Quartet (1927-1981) – The Curtis String Quartet
Tully Potter gives a robust opinion of Tim Bosworth’s account of one of the earliest American-trained string quartets, featuring Jascha Brodsky and Max Aronoff
Debate
Opinion: Strategies for coming back to your instrument
Returning to your instrument after a long break can be dispiriting, says cellist Davina Shum, but it’s important to take it by degrees, have faith in your ability and trust the process
Opinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
Debate
Opinion: Strategies for coming back to your instrument
Returning to your instrument after a long break can be dispiriting, says cellist Davina Shum, but it’s important to take it by degrees, have faith in your ability and trust the process
Opinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
Accessories
Products September 2025: Potter Plane Rest
The new product improves the luthier’s grip on the plane
Products September 2025: Viva La Musica Diamond No.1 violin shoulder rest
The rest is a new version of the company’s existing Diamond range
Products September 2025: Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Neo violin strings
The new set was created in collaboration with Janine Jansen and focuses on low frequencies
Concert review: Simone Porter (violin)
Leah Hollingsworth ventures into the Crypt of the Intercession, New York, on 29 May 2025 for the performance of Reena Esmail, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hildegard von Bingen, Andrew Norman and Biber
Concert review: Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello) Philadelphia Orchestra/Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Bruce Hodges visits Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Hall on 6 June 2025 for the performance of Shostakovich, Natalie Klouda, Saint-Georges and Mozart
Concert review: Ying Quartet, Derek Bermel (clarinet)
Bruce Hodges attends the opening night of the Bowdoin International Music Festival at the Studzinski Recital Hall in Brunswick, Maine, on 30 June 2025
Book review: The Invisible Force of Music: Tapping into Your Mind and Heart Potential for Performance Music
Anne Inglis reads Paulina Derbez’s book on how to achieve ’a mental, emotional and physical balance within ourselves as artists of sound’
Book review: Liuteria Mantovana Vol.1
Alberto Giordano peruses the first volume in Andrea Zanrè and Philip Kass’s monumental investigation into the violin makers who made their homes in the Italian city of Mantua
Book review: We Knocked Their Socks Off: The First American-Trained String Quartet (1927-1981) – The Curtis String Quartet
Tully Potter gives a robust opinion of Tim Bosworth’s account of one of the earliest American-trained string quartets, featuring Jascha Brodsky and Max Aronoff
The Strad Recommends: Rachel Podger: Just Biber
Imagination and period-instrument flair are held in perfect accord
The Strad Recommends: Signum Quartet: A Dark Flaring
An album of South African quartets proves profoundly thrilling
The Strad Recommends: Darragh Morgan: For Violin and Electronics Vol.2
Sonic wonders abound to delight and challenge the listener
Artists
Words of Wisdom: Double bassist Gary Karr
The double bassist offered advice from his playing and teaching career in our June 2011 issue
Adam Summerhayes: Music shaped by instinct
Adam Summerhayes is a violinist and composer who combines his flair for improvisation and a love of folk music with a classical training and technique. He speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his latest projects and his very special instruments
Education Resources
-
-
The Strad Directory is the essential resource for the string music world, with over 2,300 listings providing information on string businesses across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Whether you are a string player searching for a new instrument or a business owner looking to reach your target audience, the Strad Directory remains the most comprehensive and user-friendly resource for the string music world.
Available from The Strad Shop
-
Whether you're a player, maker, teacher or an enthusiast, the Strad Shop is the number one source for books, CDs and back issues of the magazine. Products for sale include an exclusive range of instrument making posters, calendars and information products published by and directly for sale from The Strad.
- THE STRAD SHOP
Keep informed
