All Practice articles – Page 2
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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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VideoJames Ehnes on the essence of mindful practice
In this podcast, James Ehnes talks about what the essence of mindful instrumental practice is: having a clear goal, work efficiently, listen intently, and connecting with others.
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Premium ❘ FeatureIs repetitive practice a good or a bad thing?
A prolonged, sickening and monotonous repetition of a section of music or the legitimate means of mastering a difficult passage? Joseph O'Doherty weighs up the two sides.
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Premium ❘ FeatureHow to develop fourth finger strength
String students often suffer from weakness in the little finger, but this can be overcome, writes James Winram in the Strad's July 1913 issue
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FocusAriadne Daskalakis’s top 5 practice tips
To tie in with the release of her Schubert disc, the violinist talks about the importance of maintaining consistency and a sense of effortless joy in your practice
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VideoWith Nicky: Practice and Prepare Introduction
Nicola Benedetti offers tips on how to organise your time, how to stay concentrated and what to do with the time you have
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FeatureAsk the Experts: should players separate technique and musicality in practice?
A violinist asks if players should separate technique and musicality when preparing a piece for a performance, and if there is a strategy that can help combat performance nerves
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FeatureShould all viola players practise the violin?
It's the ultimate heresy for some violists: the idea of practising the violin as well as the viola. James Boyd, tongue somewhat in cheek, insists that violists can and should practise both
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Focus12 ways to encourage children to practise
Finding the right level of involvement in a child’s instrumental practice can be a tricky balancing act. Cellist and pedagogue Oliver Gledhill offers some strategic guidance
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Premium ❘ FeaturePerfect 5ths
British violinist Rodney Friend has spent many years formulating his method for achieving a relaxed left-hand position. Here, he shares his voyage of discovery with Charlotte Smith
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Feature7 mental techniques to boost your practice
Effective practice without the frustration and drudgery? Piet Koornhot looks at ways to direct your imagination.
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Premium ❘ FeatureA teacher for all
Kató Havas, the celebrated and much-loved Hungarian violinist and pedagogue, died on 31 December 2018 aged 98. Five former colleagues and students remember her important and generous influence on their own playing and teaching
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FeatureCellist Jian Wang on the importance of slow practice
The Chinese artist explains why his method of practising hand movements has its origin in the jungle
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Premium ❘ FeatureQuick exercises to improve string playing technique
Bruno Giuranna, Mimi Zweig, Bonnie Hampton and Boris Kuschnir reveal their secret teaching weapons
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Premium ❘ FeatureThe 4 stages of memorising music for performance
With the right concepts and skills, any musician can successfully learn music by heart, as Gerald Klickstein explains
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FocusLisa Jacobs’s top 5 practice tips
To tie in with the release of her Nielsen CD, the Dutch violinist shares her insight into getting the most out of your practice
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Premium ❘ FeaturePassing the Torch
Expert encouragement in their early years helped turn the Belcea Quartet into one of today’s most formidable chamber ensembles. Twenty-five years after they started out, they talk to Tom Stewart about passing on their experience to the next generation – as well as continuing to gain knowledge themselves
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Premium ❘ FeatureHistory is now
Growing numbers of young musicians are incorporating elements of historically informed performance into their playing. Charlotte Gardner investigates the reasons behind this phenomenon, explores the options for aspiring period artists and receives advice from both fledgling and long-standing practitioners
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DebateYoung students must learn to listen if they are to practise effectively
String students who struggle in the early stages of learning often don't know how to listen. Patiently help them to train their ears, says Peter Quantrill, and practice sessions will become ever more fulfilling
