Scare Tactics: Tips on How Musicians Can Overcome Stage Fright
What causes stage fright? How can players overcome the problem? And what about beta blockers—are they a good solution?
Olivia Wise
Alasdair Fraser on How the Scottish Fiddle Is a ‘Vehicle for Different Types of Dialects’
Mastering the different styles of fiddling requires the same deep immersion as language fluency, according to Alasdair Fraser. It’s not about simply learning sheet music, but speaking in a regional dialect on your violin.
Listen to the Past: 7 Tips on Learning Old-Time Fiddle
Learning Old-Time Fiddle Requires a Lot of Research With Your Ears Open to the PastBy David BraggerTraditional old-time fiddle and its mesmerizing bowi... Read More...
Darol Anger Breaks Down Bluegrass from a Fiddler’s Perspective
By Patrick Sullivan
Exact numbers aren’t really Darol Anger’s thing. But over some four decades as a musician and educator, the incredibly versatile fiddler has... Read More...
No Matter What Kind of Music You Play or Listen To, in Los Angeles, There’s a Venue for You
By Eric Gorfain
Moments before you walk onto the Hollywood Bowl stage for the first time, it hits you: You’re about to perform on the stage the Beatles transfor... Read More...
Violinist Ray Chen Delves into the Inspiration Ysaÿe Found in J.S. Bach’s Music
Player Ray Chen
Title of Work Being Studied Sonata for Solo Violin No. 3 “Ballade”
Composer Eugène Ysaÿe
Date Composed 1923
Name of edition studied G. Henle Ver... Read More...
A Rhythmic Approach to ‘Receita de Samba’
By Catherine Bent
As choro—samba’s instrumental precursor—gains international popularity, many string players are drawn to its charms and challenges. It’s a goo... Read More...
Finding My Own Solution to Bach’s 300-Year-Old Conundrum
By Miranda Wilson
A marathon performance of all six of Bach’s Cello Suites is a milestone in a cellist’s career. Most of us work our way through the Suites... Read More...
Violist Cynthia Phelps Reflects on the Depth and Warmth of her Gasparo da Salò
Many might assume that Cynthia Phelps’ quest for a new viola was an instrument shopper’s dream. The principal violist of the New York Philharmonic since 1992, P... Read More...
For Her First Solo Album, Cellist Neyla Pekarek Turns to Rattlesnake Kate For Inspiration
By Megan Westberg
Neyla Pekarek hadn’t played her cello much during her college years. She opted instead to study musical theater and hone her vocal skills. He... Read More...
