All Blogs articles – Page 2
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BlogsLooking after your instrument: an introduction to soundposts
What is a soundpost? What does it do? Luthier Cecilia González from the Women in Lutherie community illustrates the enormous role of the little cylindrical piece of wood in an aim to demystify the subject for players
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BlogsLooking after your instrument: the secret to bridge placement
Is a reluctance to adjust your own bridge resulting in unnecessary trips to the luthier? Paris Andrew from the Women in Lutherie community explains how it’s done
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BlogsTeaching adult students: Find a teacher with passion and dedication
Finding the right teacher can eliminate many of the insecurities associated with learning an instrument as an adult. Cellist and teacher Ariane Zandi shares her experience from a teacher’s perspective
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Focus10 essential pieces for string orchestra
As Endellion Quartet violinist Andrew Watkinson prepares to lead the Guildhall String Ensemble, he tells us his favourite works for strings – and we put them in a convenient playlist. From 2019
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BlogsString ensemble skills are life skills – not to mention professional imperatives
Damian Iorio, violinist, conductor and music director of the UK-based National Youth String Orchestra, writes about the importance of ensemble skills. From 2018
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BlogsCrash course: are there benefits when things go wrong in a competition?
There was drama at the inaugural Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition this week, in everything but the string result, writes Andrew Mellor. From 2015
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BlogsViolinist Aaron Rosand on how to succeed in competitions and auditions
The American virtuoso covers technical issues including accuracy, rhythm, intonation and vibrato, and also discusses musical authenticity and practice. From 2016
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BlogsMaja Horvat: performing under pressure
Ruth Hallows speaks to violinist Maja Horvat, who shares her experiences of pre-performance nerves and how the pandemic has had an effect on staying calm
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Blogs10 tips for achieving long-term success with your quartet
The Henschel Quartet from Germany celebrated its 25th year in 2016. Here the group gives tips on achieving longevity in a chamber career
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Blogs’There is little to no room for error’: Sightreading in a recording session orchestra
Associate concertmaster of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra and session orchestra violinist Alexandra Gorski explains the high level of sightreading required from session musicians, as well as principles she employs to nail those one-take wonders
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BlogsPizzicato technique is often neglected, says violinist Jennifer Pike
There are many ways to vary sound and colour, but beware the perils of playing forte for sustained periods. From 2014
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Blogs‘Bartók has been with me for a long time and is irrevocably linked to my personal story’ - Violinist Franziska Pietsch
As a violinist who grew up in East Germany and moved to the West, Franziska Pietsch examines the parallels between her childhood and Béla Bartók’s inner turmoil of emigrating to the US, in recording her new album Bartók - The Quiet Revolutionary
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BlogsHow to be successful in an orchestral audition - LSO violinist Maxine Kwok
London Symphony Orchestra first violinist Maxine Kwok offers tips for string candidates on preparing for orchestral auditions in this interview from 2014
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Blogs‘Music and Mozart have been life savers’ - The Engegård Quartet
Violist of the Engegård Quartet Juliet Jopling shares how the indomitable spirit of Mozart’s string quartet music has helped the ensemble through difficult times
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BlogsForgotten in HIStory: shining a light on female composers through the ages
Violinist Ellie Consta reflects on her journey to uncover works by forgotten female composers as the founder and artistic director of Her Ensemble: the UK’s first women and non-binary string ensemble
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BlogsHow I write for strings - composer Danielle Eva Schwob
Composer Danielle Eva Schwob reflects on the challenges of writing for stringed instruments, as well as why collaboration is important to ensure music-making is a mutually beneficial experience for all
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BlogsSongs without words: arranging popular classics of Azerbaijan for violin and guitar
Violinist Nazrin Rashidova writes about transcribing popular Azerbaijani songs with an aim to explore and expand the repertoire for violin and classical guitar
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Blogs‘I have never entered a competition hoping to win’ - Emma Wernig
Violist Emma Wernig shares her experiences of finding musical freedom within the stressful environment of competitions
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BlogsImprovising on Bach's solo violin works
In this post originally from 2015, violinist Hugo Ticciati discusses the art of improvisation and using Bach as a basis for musical meditation
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Blogs5 pieces of advice for playing Bach by violinist Lisa Batiashvili
The artist shares her ideas about performing works of the great Baroque composer
