Olivia Wise

Legendary venue the Hollywood Bowl stage

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...

Did Bach write Suite No. 6 for a 5-string viola pomposa?

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...

Strings Magazine discusses how to prevent instrument theft

A Look Into the World of Instrument Theft

By Brian Wise When it comes to musical- instrument thefts, art-crimes experts will say that a few myths should be dispelled right away: • There is not a black... Read More...

5 Tips on Promoting Your Own Recordings

By Greg Cahill Getting signed to a label was once the benchmark of musical recognition, as many among the general public still believe. I’ll admit to a pang of... Read More...

Susanne Küster carves spectacular scrolls for a variety of instruments

Susanne Küster’s Vivid Scrolls Personalize Baroque Instruments

By Patrick Sullivan The pirate head still sits on Susanne Küster’s tool rack, peering down as she putters about her workshop in the German town of Putlitz. It... Read More...

Eight adult amateurs talk transcendent moments and finding the time to keep playing

8 Adult Amateurs Talk Transcendent Moments & Finding the Time to Keep Playing

Sitting back down in the student’s chair is a challenge for any adult, no matter the subject. From carving out time for practice in a hectic schedule to being o... Read More...