All Debate articles – Page 9
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FocusShould string section bowings always be synchronised?
It is generally accepted that string sections should bow as a collective, but could this uniform approach sacrifice the composer's intended sound? Violist James Boyd argues in favour of greater freedom
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DebateToo often, performance presentation skills are left in the lap of the gods
It is desirable for music teachers to take stage presentation skills seriously from the very start, argues Naomi Yandell
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DebateFor musicians, Europe is in our DNA, so how will Brexit affect the UK's musical life?
Aside from the practical implications for musicians, Brexit represents a symbolic separation from a continent that has enriched musical life in the UK for centuries, says violist Paul Silverthorne
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DebateToo many young double bassists prioritise solo technique over orchestral expertise
Chi-chi Nwanoku argues that students need to be more realistic about their career expectations
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DebateToo few conductors understand their double bass section
Though the standard of double bass playing has risen exponentially during the past 50 years, conductors’ attitudes towards the instrument have barely changed
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DebateWhy don't viola competitions produce more star soloists?
Despite organisers’ efforts, viola competitions rarely make the impact that their violin cousins enjoy. Toby Deller asks whether they should be more proactive in promoting the instrument
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DebateString players should give credit where credit is due
Philippa Bunting asks why string teachers and players are so reluctant to acknowledge the people who have influenced them
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DebateVisa restrictions prevent too many musicians from living and working abroad
Countries that impose exacting visa regulations on musicians applying to work abroad for extended periods ignore the benefits to both sides, argues Toby Deller
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DebateAre US instrumental teachers failing in their duties by being too nice?
String teachers in America are accentuating the positive at the expense of the negative, argues Stephen Shipps
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DebateBickering over the 'correct' string teaching method helps no one
It's in everyone's interests for string teachers to be generous about each other rather than arguing over whose method is best, argues Laurie Niles
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DebateMore string players of today should listen to singers past and present
The great string players of the past embodied the ‘singing’ style that signifies their relationship with vocalists of the time. Why can’t today’s stars capture the same atmosphere, asks Tully Potter
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DebateTaking a break from music might just make you a better player in the long run
Pauline Harding considers why having a break from music might be the healthiest thing you can do
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DebateHow much does choice of concerto affect a competition result?
In the past year, big, tuneful, Romantic works have dominated violin competition finals, leaving little room for Classical and 20th Century works, writes Charlotte Smith
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DebateTeaching skills are becoming increasingly important to today’s conservatoires
Guildhall School of Music and Drama vice principal and director of academic affairs Helena Gaunt responds to The Strad’s article calling for conservatoires to place greater emphasis on teaching skills
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DebateDoes the quest for perfection discourage creativity at lutherie competitions?
Has the demand for 'high standards' at violin making competitions left any room for individuality and personality, asks Michael Köberling
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DebateConservatoires should place more focus on teaching skills
Most professional musicians will end up teaching in some capacity – so more colleges should offer courses that foster educational skills, say Cornelia Watkins and Laurie Scott
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DebateThere should be greater transparency in the string-manufacturing industry
Thomas Zwieg, vice president and product development manager at Larsen Strings A/S in Denmark, calls for an internationally accepted standard for measuring string tension
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DebateThe motivation to practise should come from the student - not the parent or teacher
Enforcing a regime is never a good idea, says Da Capo Music founder Jane Cutler
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FocusI discourage my students from using a shoulder rest, says violinist Aaron Rosand
Only without a shoulder rest can one develop a personal sound that is identifiable, insists the Curtis Institute and Mannes College professor
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DebateNo sex please - we're classical musicians
Does ‘sexing up’ classical music increase accessibility or is it merely crass exhibitionism? Two well-known string players debate one of the hot topics of the industry in The Strad's March 2006 issue
