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

Technique, advice, and tips.

Some Common Misconceptions About Harmonics and 6 Tips for Playing Them Better

By understanding how they are produced and following a few guidelines, string players can master this expressive technique

Ten Pieces of Essential Advice for Young Musicians

Sometimes the most important lessons have nothing to do with the navigation of the fingerboard or maneuvers of the right hand

The String Teacher’s Guide to Remote Studio Teaching

Here's what you need to get started to make teaching virtually both easy and cost-effective

Quinton Morris works with a student from the Key to Change Studio, South King County, Washington

An Educator’s Guide to Teaching the Music of Underrepresented Composers

Educators are beginning to conserve, understand, & teach the underrepresented music and musicians beyond what classical musicians have traditionally been taught.

teaching cello bowing with imagery—illustration of cellist playing in water

Picture Perfect: When Communicating Musical Ideas and Cello Technique, a Little Imagery Goes a Long Way

Many of today's pedagogues are taking creative approaches to teaching—and playing—the cello, inspiring future generations to unleash their imaginations as well.

“Forget Me Not” Is a Simple Waltz That Offers Fiddlers Freedom at a Gentle Tempo

Composed after attending a fiddle camp, this tune was inspired by the magic that happens when fiddle players meet up and do nothing but play the fiddle for five days

JS Bach. Play Bach Better by Improving Your Fifths

Play Bach Better by Improving Your Fifths on Violin

By outlining the tonic and fifth of the harmony in the lowest two voices, Bach gives great solidity to the chord voicing on violin.

Tackling the Beginning of the Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85

This concerto has everything a player could dream of, with soaring themes and wild mood swings, all written in a way that fits comfortably in the hand

Bel Canto: Approaching the Operatic, Unpredictable Voice of Missy Mazzoli on Violin

Space, time, and sound—these are the most significant elements in Dissolve, O My Heart that challenge the performer.

The Mind in Practice

The passion and desire that impel us toward music will energize our practice for a lifetime—but we still have to know what to do