A violin case is a must – so let go of any idea that cases are optional. The fragility of string instruments, particularly violins and violas, requires an extra layer of protection whenever the instrument isn’t in use.
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The string instrument family has the most significant number of "children" than any other group of instruments. Worldwide, there are more than 300 different instruments that are considered part of the string family. These range from the single-stringed diddly bow, which originated here in the United States and contributed to blues music, to the 88-stringed piano, which is considered both a string and a percussion instrument.
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When it comes to expressing emotion or setting a mood, string instruments are unmatched. Among them, the violin is perhaps the most versatile. That’s why violin music stands out so prominently in some of the most memorable film scores. It can mesmerize you and bring you to the edge of your seat in anticipation. Violin music is equally powerful when it comes to bringing a tear to your eye.
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Like many professions, the world of conducting was once an exclusive boys club. Although it is still male-dominated – and many prominent figures in classical music are speaking out about the gender gap – more female conductors than ever are breaking through that glass ceiling. Over the past decade, programs have been established at conservatories around the world to help create a pipeline that puts the baton in the hands of more women.
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Summer music workshops offer learning opportunities for string players of all ages. School-aged students benefit from smaller groups, focused attention, and the enjoyment of meeting peers who share their passion for music. Adult students and string instructors benefit similarly, learning new techniques and correcting latent habits under the tutelage of masters.
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The spring semester can feel like an infinite haul for students – and even teachers. For most schools, the second “half” of the academic year is legitimately the longest period in terms of days-spent-in class. Plus, the spring semester offers far fewer breaks than its fall counterpart.
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Why wait until New Year’s Eve to make your resolutions? Now’s the time to begin crafting fun, reasonable, and easy-to-uphold resolutions (or intentions) that inspire you to be the best string musician YOU can be.
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Long before Mimi Zweig launched her ground-breaking website StringPedagogy, she developed a teaching style that blends her own ideas with her past teachers’ influences, as well as elements of other philosophies she admires. The result is a method that has helped guide generations of students to successful music careers as performers and teachers.
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Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky is the most famous Russian composer of the 19th Century, although that acclaim didn’t come all at once. As with many composers who went unlauded in their own lifetimes, audience appreciation of Tchaikovsky’s works grew over an expanse of time.
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W hile holiday classics are "classic" for a reason, it can be mind numbing to play the same songs over and over, year after year. We understand your frustration.
Thus, one of our holiday gifts to you is this list of 10 modern holiday songs made just for string musicians. Yes, they're arrangements based on traditional carols, but at least they'll give you a break from the typical versions you've played for years.
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