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.
How To
Technique, advice, and tips.
10 Bow Stroke Tips from Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins
For string players, gaining a command of basic bow strokes is paramount. Here are 10 tips to master bow strokes on the violin or viola.
How to Learn Violin Finger Positions for Beginners
When you start to play violin, it's key to get the positions down. Here's a guide on violin finger positions for beginners.
Leon Kirchner’s ‘Duo No. 2’ Shows the Composer’s Unfailing Vitality
Kirchner was 83 when he wrote the Duo No. 2 in 2002. He considered its completion proof that he still was capable of producing works of great vitality.
How to Find the Best Shoulder Rest for Your Violin
There is no magic shoulder rest that will make you a better player, but here's how to find the right violin shoulder rest and ensure it’s fitted correctly.
Tips on How Musicians Can Overcome Stage Fright
No matter if you've played two gigs or 2,000, stage fright can happen to any musician at any time. Here are some ways string players can overcome stage fright.
How Musicians Can Combat Comeback Performance Stress and Anxiety
As COVID-19 vaccinations continue, so do plans to get full orchestras and chamber ensembles back in halls before in-person audiences.
How to Blend into a Section in an Orchestra—or Project Over it as a Soloist
Playing live in an orchestral setting requires careful attention to the nuances of your fellow musicians and the conductor both as a section player and as a soloist.
Growth as a Musician Means Facing a Little Anxiety
Growing as a musician means stepping outside your comfort zone, which naturally bring along with it some anxiety. But it doesn't have to be scary.
How String Players Can Avoid or Recover From Onstage Mistakes
You never know what will happen during a live musical performance—that's part of what makes it exciting for the audience, but can make it scary for the performers.