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Improve your playing in the Playing Hub
Technique: Violin projection
Australian violinist Emily Sun outlines her strategies for projecting successfully on the violin
Technique: Cello bowing habits
Cellist Clara Minhye Kim on setting up sustainable and natural bowing habits
Technique: Finding flexibility in the left hand
Violist Jordan Bak presents an open-handed approach to left-hand technique
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Violin projection
Australian violinist Emily Sun outlines her strategies for projecting successfully on the violin
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Cello bowing habits
Cellist Clara Minhye Kim on setting up sustainable and natural bowing habits
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Finding flexibility in the left hand
Violist Jordan Bak presents an open-handed approach to left-hand technique
7 tips on adjustments to get the best out of your instrument
The finest Stradivari in the world will sound poor if it is badly set up. Here are some points to consider sourced from our archive
Opinion: why don’t string players practice pizzicato?
Perfecting bowing is a lifelong quest for string players – but what about pizzicato? Cellist Davina Shum advocates setting aside some dedicated practice time to this neglected technique
Opinion: why don’t string players practice pizzicato?
Perfecting bowing is a lifelong quest for string players – but what about pizzicato? Cellist Davina Shum advocates setting aside some dedicated practice time to this neglected technique
7 pointers for perfect pizzicato
Advice on plucking and strumming from 120 years of The Strad
How harmonics and singing can help to build a sound technique
Violin and viola pedagogue Jane Metcalfe discusses using techniques inspired by Kodály and Colourstrings methods
Aija Reke: how to deal with performance anxiety
The violinist gives tips on how to build your confidence on stage through her own experiences and examples from literature
Aija Reke: how to deal with performance anxiety
The violinist gives tips on how to build your confidence on stage through her own experiences and examples from literature
‘We still get nervous’: violinist Brett Yang on performance nerves
The key to dealing with performance anxiety and nerves is to have the confidence to gain more experience performing, says the violinist
Opinion: The Wisdom of Yoda
In the Star Wars universe, Jedi Master Yoda is the ultimate teacher – and his insights can be applied just as readily to string playing as to learning the ways of the Force, writes cellist Brian Hodges
Technique: Finding your voice on the viola
Susie Mészáros’s thoughts on shifting and articulation
Technique: Finding your voice on the viola
Susie Mészáros’s thoughts on shifting and articulation
Blue Sky Teaching: Using creative approaches to refine students’ technique
In our June 2019 issue, Judith Kogan spoke with three string teachers, all based in North America and whose unique ideas are achieving significant results
How to make scales enjoyable
Encouraging students to practise scales needn't be an uphill struggle, says Paul Harris - in fact, it can even be fun!
Vibrato: three reminders from our online editor Davina Shum
Don’t overdo it and avoid slipping into auto-pilot mode, writes the cellist
Vibrato: three reminders from our online editor Davina Shum
Don’t overdo it and avoid slipping into auto-pilot mode, writes the cellist
The Art of Vibrato: Techniques and Tips for Violinists
Donna Maurer offers six tips to help violinists master the technique of vibrato
Should vibrato exercises be practised separately from the repertoire?
Teacher Talk: your string teaching questions answered by our panel of experts. From 2011
Five tips for achieving flawless legato for violinists and violists
Artists from The Strad’s extensive back catalogue share their insights on playing smoothly with the bow arm
The Art of Vibrato: Techniques and Tips for Violinists
Donna Maurer offers six tips to help violinists master the technique of vibrato
Should vibrato exercises be practised separately from the repertoire?
Teacher Talk: your string teaching questions answered by our panel of experts. From 2011
Violinist Aaron Rosand on how to produce a good vibrato
The American violinist examines the role of vibrato in enhancing sound and providing character. From 2017
‘We just love what we do’: 21 years of the Sacconi Quartet
Comprising violinists Ben Hancox and Hannah Dawson, violist Robin Ashwell and cellist Cara Berridge, the members of the Sacconi Quartet chat with The Strad about their guiding principles throughout their shared history together, as well as as some memorable performances
‘We just love what we do’: 21 years of the Sacconi Quartet
Comprising violinists Ben Hancox and Hannah Dawson, violist Robin Ashwell and cellist Cara Berridge, the members of the Sacconi Quartet chat with The Strad about their guiding principles throughout their shared history together, as well as as some memorable performances
Ask the Experts: how to encourage students to trust their ears
A reader asks what can be done to help young students who rely on learning finger placement rather than trusting their ears. Three teachers give their views
4 ways Bach can improve your playing: Violinist Rebeca Nuez Suarez
Rebeca Nuez Suarez reflects on the application of Bach’s Solo Violin Sonatas and Partitas in the technical and musical development of young performers
How to memorise earlier and smarter: Adam Hockman
The practice and performance consultant identifies what causes memory slips and gives tips on improving memorisation technique
How to memorise earlier and smarter: Adam Hockman
The practice and performance consultant identifies what causes memory slips and gives tips on improving memorisation technique
How to improve your aural skills and ditch your sheet music in 5 easy steps
Simplicity, curiosity and diligence are the keys to learning by ear, according to violinist Lissa Schneckenburger
Should soloists always perform music from memory?
Pointless and terrifying, or essential for musical communication? Playing without the music arouses some strong opinions, finds Laurinel Owen
Numbness of the fingers in violinists: what causes it and how can you fix it?
J.L.H. Thomas delves into a physical exploration of what causes numbness, as well as exercises to help strengthen muscles to alleviate its symptoms
Numbness of the fingers in violinists: what causes it and how can you fix it?
J.L.H. Thomas delves into a physical exploration of what causes numbness, as well as exercises to help strengthen muscles to alleviate its symptoms
Setting up the left hand: a guide for beginner violinists
Rachael Ridge gives some helpful pointers and a step-by-step guide delving into the nitty-gritty of left-hand set-up
Cornerstones for violinists: the Australian violinist and teacher Alice Waten on left-hand set-up
The Australian violin pedagogue Alice Waten (1947-2022) shared advice on achieving fluidity and expressivity in the left hand in an interview with Joy Lee from early 2022
BlogsMusic for our time: violinist Paul Huang on his new album ‘Mirrors’
The violinist speaks to The Strad about a musical journey that he hopes inspires listeners to ponder the past, present and future
Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: Baroque violinist Davina Clarke on The Art of Obligato
Baroque violinist Davina Clarke speaks to Harry White about her new album, The Art of Obligato, which explores the intricate interplay between vocal and instrumental lines in Bach’s sacred cantatas
Premium ❘ FocusSentimental Work: Anne Gastinel on Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher
The French cellist was captivated by Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher from the first hearing; and it also provided an opportunity to meet the composer
Blogs
Music for our time: violinist Paul Huang on his new album ‘Mirrors’
The violinist speaks to The Strad about a musical journey that he hopes inspires listeners to ponder the past, present and future
Premium ❘ Feature
Session Report: Baroque violinist Davina Clarke on The Art of Obligato
Baroque violinist Davina Clarke speaks to Harry White about her new album, The Art of Obligato, which explores the intricate interplay between vocal and instrumental lines in Bach’s sacred cantatas
Premium ❘ Focus
Sentimental Work: Anne Gastinel on Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher
The French cellist was captivated by Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher from the first hearing; and it also provided an opportunity to meet the composer
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Havanaise op.83
Violinist Max Baillie gives smart and efficient practice tips to showcase a piece for violin and orchestra that juxtaposes lyricism with virtuosic passagework
Masterclass: Schubert Arpeggione Sonata on viola, first movement
Yuri Zhislin illustrates the importance of colour and harmony in a work renowned for its lyricism and technicality
More from the Playing Hub
Five tips for achieving flawless legato for violinists and violists
Artists from The Strad’s extensive back catalogue share their insights on playing smoothly with the bow arm
Technique: Violin bow landings with Gina McCormack
Violinist Gina McCormack on teaching bow landings in reference to Mozart
Our bow is our breath: cellist John-Henry Crawford
Understanding the relationship between the bow and the voice is key to creating a singing line, as the cellist discovered while preparing his new album Voice of Rachmaninoff
Vibrato: three reminders from our online editor Davina Shum
Don’t overdo it and avoid slipping into auto-pilot mode, writes the cellist
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Havanaise op.83
Violinist Max Baillie gives smart and efficient practice tips to showcase a piece for violin and orchestra that juxtaposes lyricism with virtuosic passagework
Masterclass: Schubert Arpeggione Sonata on viola, first movement
Yuri Zhislin illustrates the importance of colour and harmony in a work renowned for its lyricism and technicality
Masterclass: Mendelssohn String Quartet in F minor, first movement
Second violinist of the Aris Quartet Noémi Zipperling examines Mendelssohn’s emotionally charged movement, considered to be a requiem for his sister and, ultimately, himself
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Havanaise op.83
Violinist Max Baillie gives smart and efficient practice tips to showcase a piece for violin and orchestra that juxtaposes lyricism with virtuosic passagework
Masterclass: Schubert Arpeggione Sonata on viola, first movement
Yuri Zhislin illustrates the importance of colour and harmony in a work renowned for its lyricism and technicality
Masterclass: Mendelssohn String Quartet in F minor, first movement
Second violinist of the Aris Quartet Noémi Zipperling examines Mendelssohn’s emotionally charged movement, considered to be a requiem for his sister and, ultimately, himself
‘Deep investment in people goes far’: How the artist collective Ilumina creates a musical eco-system
Online editor Davina Shum previously described a performance by Ilumina unlike any concert she’d attended before – why? She speaks to the initiative’s founder, violist Jennifer Stumm, about the Ilumina’s ethos and motivation ahead of its tenth anniversary in January 2025
The legacy of a legend: Jacqueline du Pré tribute
The impact of British cellist Jacqueline du Pré’s towering talent continues to endure, despite her cruelly short career. To mark 80 years since her birth on 26 January 1945, several prominent string soloists speak about the influence her playing has had on their own music making
Postcard from Lesbos: Molyvos International Music Festival
On the Greek island of Lesbos, the Molyvos International Music Festival offers live chamber music to a diverse international audience, as Claire Jackson discovered
You’ve got to do the work: The Miró Quartet marks its 30th-anniversary season
As the Miró Quartet celebrates its 30th-anniversary season, US correspondent Thomas May speaks with cellist Joshua Gindele about the American ensemble’s priorities – and the secret behind its longevity
‘Deep investment in people goes far’: How the artist collective Ilumina creates a musical eco-system
Online editor Davina Shum previously described a performance by Ilumina unlike any concert she’d attended before – why? She speaks to the initiative’s founder, violist Jennifer Stumm, about the Ilumina’s ethos and motivation ahead of its tenth anniversary in January 2025
The legacy of a legend: Jacqueline du Pré tribute
The impact of British cellist Jacqueline du Pré’s towering talent continues to endure, despite her cruelly short career. To mark 80 years since her birth on 26 January 1945, several prominent string soloists speak about the influence her playing has had on their own music making
Postcard from Lesbos: Molyvos International Music Festival
On the Greek island of Lesbos, the Molyvos International Music Festival offers live chamber music to a diverse international audience, as Claire Jackson discovered
You’ve got to do the work: The Miró Quartet marks its 30th-anniversary season
As the Miró Quartet celebrates its 30th-anniversary season, US correspondent Thomas May speaks with cellist Joshua Gindele about the American ensemble’s priorities – and the secret behind its longevity
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