Stories | Strings Magazine | For players of violin, viola, cello, bass & fiddle

The Pacifica Quartet’s ‘American Stories’ with Clarinetist Anthony McGill Explores Scenes from the American Experience

American Stories simultaneously stretches the Pacifica Quartet as performers while inviting listeners to adjust their own expectations of what music is and can do.

Handel's Messiah, performed by the Handel and Hayden Society

Lessons Learned from Decades of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Performances

I have performed Messiah almost every December over the last 30 years, and I never tire of playing it. Each conductor brings something different to the production.

Music Writer Tully Potter on the Importance of Historical Knowledge in Music Performance

Tully Porter takes his role as a music critic seriously; it is a profession that requires deep knowledge of music and its history, he says.

Lincoln Trio Celebrates the Composers and Culture of the Windy City on ‘Trios from Contemporary Chicago ‘

On Trios from Contemporary Chicago, Lincoln Trio features some of Chicago’s greatest living composers, many of whom they have had strong working relationships with over the years.

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

We spoke with eight string players from various camps or schools of study about challenges and what keeps them coming back to the practice room for more.

Fiddler Sara Watkins’ ‘Family Hour’ is one of L.A.’s Best-Kept Musical Secrets, on Record and on the Road

Fiddler Sara Watkins' album, The Watkins Family Hour, Vol. II, provided an opportunity to stretch musically with many guests while staying true to her bluegrass roots.

It’s Never Too Late to Pick Up an Instrument—Here are 5 Tips for Adult Beginners

It takes bravery to start taking music lessons, but according to the mature beginners I interviewed, no one is ever too old.

The Power of Unconditional Support in Musical Learning and Development

Unconditional support doesn’t mean freely accepting negative or harmful behaviors, but rather treating people as fallible human beings regardless of what they do.

Anne Akiko Meyers with violin near water

Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers Continues Passionate Advocacy of New Music with Recent Concerto Commission Inspired by Amelia Earhart

For two decades, Anne Akiko Meyers has made it a hallmark of her artistic mission to expand the literature for violin by commissioning new works and championing them.

“Her Name Was” by SistaStrings Comes from a Place of Personal Reflection

Sisters Chauntee (violin, vocals) and Monique (cello, vocals) Ross of SistaStrings have recorded two albums with Peter Mulvey, most recently Love Is the Only Thing on Righteous Babe records.