How To – Page 2 – Strings Magazine

Technique, advice, and tips.

Never Fear: Even if You Struggle with Pitch on Your Stringed Instrument There Are Tools and Techniques to Help

By Laurie Niles | From the July-August 2020 issue of Strings magazineI used to believe in a simple rule: If you can’t play in tune, you can’t play in tune.... Read More...

How to Keep a Cello—and Endpin—Rock-steady in All Conditions

By Emily Wright | From the May-June 2020 issue of Strings magazineThe first written recollection of a cello with an endpin dates from the late 18th century... Read More...

Creativity and Technique Come Together in Fritz Kreisler’s ‘Praeludium and Allegro’

By Scott Flavin | From the May-June 2020 issue of Strings magazineA major work for any advancing student of the violin, Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro i... Read More...

How My Worst Cello Lesson Taught Me the Best Lesson I Could Have Learned

By Brian Hodges | From the May-June 2020 issue of Strings magazineThe most memorable lesson I ever had as a student, the one that is seared in my brain and... Read More...

Scott_Tixier-Photo by Menen Hailu, © Menen Pictures

Ready or Not: Growth as a Musician Means Facing a Little Anxiety

By Scott Tixier | From the May-June 2020 issue of Strings magazineAfter living in New York City for 13 years working within extremely short deadlines and c... Read More...

Two to Tango: Tips for String Players Working with Guitarists

By Laurel Thomsen | From the May-June 2020 issue of Strings magazineWhile it can be difficult for string players to find other violinists, violists, and ce... Read More...

Shutdown Skills Series: Learn Traditional Scottish Ornamentation

By Louise LeeThe problem: You want to play traditional Scottish music, but you can’t seem to make it sound, well, Scottish.Solution: Learn to play Scottish ... Read More...

Shutdown Skills Series: How to Hold a Violin or Viola Without Tensing Up

6 ways to eliminate tension and improve your playingBy Laurel ThomsenThe Problem: A tense instrument-hold is causing pain, or intonation, dexterity, and mo... Read More...

Shutdown Skills Series: 5 Tips on Promoting Your Own Recordings

By Laurel Thomsen 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 ... Read More...

Shutdown Skills Series: Perfect Fifths—A Few Thoughts on Tuning Your Viola (Violinists & Cellists Invited)

By Atar Arad Not unlike the multitude of different calendars existing side by side with none claiming perfection (hence leap days and leap months), intonation s... Read More...