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Rethinking Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major
It’s possible to see the ultimate wedding piece as a template for, and model of,
group improvisation.
How To
Technique, advice, and tips.
The Violin Solo in Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis Is the Audition Piece You’ll Probably Never Actually Play
The work is often considered Beethoven’s most daunting and exalted creation—raw, visionary, and striving toward transcendence.
Zoltán Kodály’s Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 8 Redefined the Instrument
A century after its release, its challenge remains absolute: Every generation’s aspiring cello virtuosos must learn how to speak Kodály.
Extend Yourself: How to Practice Extensions, a Notoriously Tricky Technique
Defined as any finger placement exceeding the normal framework of the left hand, extensions are a rarely mastered but essential building block of technique.
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Intoxicating Vitality—Rebecca Clarke’s Sonata for Viola and Piano Remains Fresh and Vibrant
A rare work that fits equally well on more than one instrument, the Sonata has been embraced by violists, cellists, and orchestras alike.
Words of Wisdom—Inspirational Quotes to Motivate Students and Teachers Alike
Searching for an approach to assist students with motivation issues? Perhaps the following insights will help.
Musicians Turn to Body Mapping to Maximize Technique Without Tension
Body mapping is a method that uses anatomical understanding to help musicians develop an accurate mental map of their body’s structure and movement.
Symphony for Two: Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello Puts Duos to the Test
Performing the Sonata requires a very 21st-century synchronized combination of precision, speed, and absolute fidelity to the score.
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Making the Leap—A Guide to Joining Your Community Orchestra
Here are some tips for any string player considering jumping into the world of local music.
Improve Your Skills in Four Excerpts with This Cello Fingerings Quiz
Are you one of the many people who wants to improve your skill at devising good cello fingerings quickly? Try your hand at these four short excerpts!
The New Golden Age of the Viola Duo—Tallā Rouge Makes a Case for Two Vibrant Voices
Lauren Spaulding and Aria Cheregosha are on a mission: to expand the viola’s voice by commissioning groundbreaking works from today’s most exciting and diverse composers.
Rethinking Your Approach to Intonation on Violin
The first step to fixing bad intonation on the violin? Admitting it’s a problem.
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Remembering Avant–Garde Composer Sofia Gubaidulina
The Soviet composer was denounced early on for her “irresponsible attitude to the principles of socialist realism”—a comment she took as a badge of honor.
Practicing Unisons Is Great for Improving Left-Hand Technique
Even a little work on unisons can yield significant benefits.
Ron Carter’s “Tail Feathers” Is a Lighthearted Fusion of Styles
Violinist Kip Jones’ arrangement of the legendary bassist’s composition highlights the intersection between the blues, gospel, and mid-1940s cool that makes the piece so special.
Rules of Thumb (Position)—A Path Toward Mastering a Dreaded Cello Technique
When encountering thumb position, it is natural to find the lack of pitch control and general awkwardness of the technique frustrating. Steady on. The only way is through, not around.
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Seventh Heaven: Introducing an Interval Full of Benefits
Practicing double-stop sevenths affords several physical benefits to left-hand technique, facilitating easier playing of other intervals, including octaves, thirds, and fingered octaves.
From Studio to Center Stage—A Guide for First-Time Orchestral Soloists
Ultimately, success seems to come from a combination of diligent preparation, openness to learning, and the ability to apply feedback effectively.
“For Your Consideration”—The Evolution of Grammy Award Promotion Campaigns
Attempts to influence the classical music awards-voting community have intensified over the years, but just how effective are such efforts?
Different Strokes: Connecting Spiccato to the Physics of the Bow
These simple exercises focus on spiccato, a bow stroke that involves a controlled bounce at various speeds using arm, wrist, and finger motion.
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Violin Repertoire—“Again and Again” Leaves Room to Explore
The piece is rich with idiomatic violin techniques, like open strings and double- and triple-stops, that evoke the spirit of fiddle music.
Use Visualization to Learn Away from Your Instrument
Projecting a positive outcome can invite renewed mental focus, a heightened sense of well-being, and greater self-confidence.
Dynamic Intonation Demystified
Dynamic intonation is a way of playing in which fingers don’t just land about where they should to play in tune, but instead are trying to fit accurately into a harmonic landscape
Mario Wellmann’s Modern Jazz “Consolidation” Is Inspired by the Making of Long-term Memories
"I think that Consolidation has a clear compositional intent that really comes out in the piece. The melody is pensive, and I really connect to it personally."