All Improve your playing articles – Page 5
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ArticleDouble bassist François Rabbath demonstrates his crab technique
In honour of François Rabbath, who turns 90 today, we are republishing content from our archive related to the French-Syrian double bassist
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FocusWhich shoulder rest to buy, from $25 to $1,100
In recent years manufacturers have come up with new shoulder rest designs and materials, and new dependable models have appeared both at the low end of the market and at the very highest. Femke Colborne talks to the makers with an eye on improvement, and to those who feel they ...
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FocusFour alternative methods to make sure your practice efforts survive the pressures of performance
A violist with a background in neuroscience, Molly Gebrian shares some alternative practice methods informed by studies on how our brain processes learning
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BlogsA break from string playing can be a constructive experience
With many musicians returning to the stage for the first time in months, violinist Cara Laskaris reflects on her own experiences to offer some words of advice
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BlogsNever practise for more than five hours per day, says violinist Itzhak Perlman
Marking the violinist's 75th birthday, we republish this feature from our archive in which Perlman warns against the dangers of over-practising
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FocusA targeted approach to Ševčík will help you to overcome any problem in the repertoire
When using Ševčík cello studies, it pays to plan your practice carefully, says Tomáš Jamník, Artistic director of the Academy of Chamber Music and the Ševčík Academy, in Prague, Czech Republic
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FocusHow to make the most of cello scales
Approach scales with commitment, imagination and daring, and they will inspire your cello playing, argues Mats Lidström
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ArticleNine 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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Focus9 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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ArticleCellist 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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Focus7 ways to harness mental practice for musicians
Tips for using mental imaging to boost your musical practice regime from The Strad’s archive
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Focus7 views on repetitive practice
Is repetition the most effective mode of practice? Debate from The Strad Archive
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Focus6 ways to perfect your double-stops
Tips from The Strad’s archive on producing even and finely tuned double-stops
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FocusI know that I know nothing: Tomás Cotik concludes his series on Bach
Ahead of his 2020 album release of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, the violinist concludes his blog series, in which he discusses the contradictions between the opposing trends and traditions in Bach interpretation, and his personal solutions to them.
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ArticleHow I interpret Bach: Tomás Cotik on Classification
Ahead of his 2020 album release of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, the violinist continues his blog series, in which he discusses the contradictions between the opposing trends and traditions in Bach interpretation, and his personal solutions to them
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FocusHow important is happiness for effective practising?
Adopting a positive mindset helps to prime you for learning, writes musician and performance psychology expert Christine Carter
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Premium ❘ FocusTechnique: 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
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Focus5 ways to improve playing in thirds
Tips for hand position, bow distribution and intonation from The Strad Archive
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FocusDouble bassist Christine Hoock on sound and phrase
The professor of double bass at Mozarteum University Salzburg and president of the International Sperger Society for Double Bass shares her wisdom in this month’s Technique article
