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

Del McCoury Band Fiddler Jason Carter Shines on His Long-Awaited Second Solo Album ‘Lowdown Hoedown’

Fiddler Jason Carter's new solo album, Lowdown Hoedown, comes 25 years after his previous one. In between, he's been a member of the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys.

Violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing Records an Ode to Her Nordic Roots with ‘Arctic’

Arctic, her Sony Records debut, is an ode to the natural splendor of Scandinavia and the man-made forces that threaten that wild place.

A Musical Adventure in Ireland Marries Sights, Sounds, and Late-Night Fiddle Jam Sessions

This trip was about discovering beauty—natural, historical, musical, and human.

Dirty Cello’s Crazy Tour of Iceland Culminates in a Boating Concert Adventure

The cello-centric rock and blues band Dirty Cello upped the craziness level when they played in a tiny village in Iceland about to do a live concert on a whale-watching boat.

How Actors Become Virtuoso String Players on Film

Here's how some recent films involved string coaches and overdubbed performers to make actors' performances as string players feel authentic.

The Calidore String Quartet is Taking on Beethoven Early in Their Career

Can a young, recently formed string quartet have the depth of understanding to tackle Beethoven's monumental works? The Calidore String Quartet believes it can.

You Are Musical! Too Many Students Come to Me Having Been Told the Opposite

There is a myth that either you’re born with an artistic gift or you’re not. Here's how music teachers can break down that misconception and un-do the mantra of "you're not musical."

Isabel Hagen Combines Viola and Comedy in an Unconventional Career

For violist Isabel Hagen, it was more than just a few steps to get from amusing friends in elementary school to a showcase on the Tonight Show.

Fiddler Jim VanCleve of Appalachian Road Show

Jim VanCleve’s Fiddle Joy Shines Through on Appalachian Road Show’s ‘Jubilation’

Grammy Award–winning fiddler Jim VanCleve talks about his history with the instrument and his latest album with Appalachian Road Show, Jubilation.

Preparing for a Musical Whirlwind Summer on Cello After a 30-year Break

And after the first nervousness subsided, starting to play cello again after 30 years was exhilarating, like having the wind in your face driving a fast convertible.