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Opinion: why string players should pay attention to large muscle groups
Fleet fingers may be the ultimate goal for string players, but it’s the larger muscle groups that form the foundations of solid technique, says cellist Davina Shum
The final 21 days: structuring psychological preparation before high-stakes performance
While it’s tempting to practise more in the lead up to an important event, it can actually do more harm than good! Instead, cellist Joanna Latała shares a 21-day framework for mental preparation that supports technical execution as well as artistic presence
‘Nearly dying has a brutal way of clarifying what actually matters in music’ - Jacob Shaw on his cancer journey
Four years on from his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Jacob Shaw, professor of cello at the Royal Northern College of Music, reflects on what the experience forced him to prioritise and the realities of returning to performing in an industry that forgets quickly. The journey is recounted in the upcoming ...
Playing Hub
Don’t play, teach!
After a lifetime on stage, cellist Michael Reynolds reflects on the moment he realised it was time to set performance aside – and how stepping back has unexpectedly reshaped and deepened his life as a teacher
‘Make it enjoyable to play’: violinist Irvine Arditti on the music of Roger Reynolds
Internationally renowned for his work in contemporary music, Irvine Arditti discusses his long-standing collaboration with the adventurous American composer Roger Reynolds.
Fear of winning: why preparation alone is not enough
It’s easy to understand how fear of failure can hinder a performance, but the unconscious fear of success can be just as destructive. Cellist Joanna Latała delves into what sport psychology already understands — and music still avoids
Yasmine Azaiez: how crossover violinists redefine what violin playing can be today
Following the release of her album Shiva’s Shoes, the Tunisian-Indian violinist shares how her classical foundation forms the basis of her work that bridges various genres
What in-tarnation? Exploring expressive intonation with cellist Michael Reynolds
Cellist Michael Reynolds shares the importance of expressive intonation, as well as practical intonation tips that should prevent your string quartet from disbanding!
Winning mindsets: five lessons for musicians from the 2026 Winter Olympics
Violinist and educator Maggie Watson shares what musicians can learn from the athletes of the Winter Olympics, and how to implement these approaches into practice and performance
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Latin American music techniques and rhythms
Cellist David Chew presents tips on approaching Latin American rhythms, in particular from Brazil
Premium ❘ Feature
Session Report: violinist Midori on recording works by Robert and Clara Schumann
Violinist Midori speaks to Thomas May about her new album, which features Robert Schumann’s Violin Concerto and juxtaposes his late works alongside chamber music by Clara Schumann
Premium ❘ Feature
Technique: Latin American music techniques and rhythms
Cellist David Chew presents tips on approaching Latin American rhythms, in particular from Brazil
Premium ❘ Focus
Opinion: Why students should rehearse with musicians other than their teachers
Cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell highlights how valuable and insightful it can be for string students to rehearse with a musician outside of their teacher – especially a pianist
Premium ❘ Focus
Sentimental Work: Mihaela Martin on the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
For the Romanian violinist and pedagogue, learning the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor was a formative experience, and one that all students should have the chance to enjoy
Competitions
Haslemere International String Competition announces 2026 winners
British violinist Sofia Demetriades wins £3,000 and a performance engagement with the English Chamber Orchestra
Violinist Keila Wakao wins the 2026 National Schadt String Competition
The US–Japanese violinist receives $12,000 and a performance engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra
Winners announced for the 2026 Leipzig Bach Competition
German violinist Miha Zhu receives €20,000
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: April 2026
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Aziza Sadikova’s new concerto for two double basses
A new double concerto channels the emotions of war
Masterclass: Bruch Violin Concerto no.1, second movement
Bella Hristova outlines the importance of pacing oneself and creating a hierarchy of intensity in this popular slow movement
Masterclass: Beethoven String Quartet no.11 op.95 ‘Serioso’, first movement
This whirlwind movement represents a turbulent time in the composer’s life, evident in the work’s relentless momentum and extreme characters, says Ariel Quartet cellist Amit Even-Tov
Masterclass: Bruch Violin Concerto no.1, second movement
Bella Hristova outlines the importance of pacing oneself and creating a hierarchy of intensity in this popular slow movement
Masterclass: Beethoven String Quartet no.11 op.95 ‘Serioso’, first movement
This whirlwind movement represents a turbulent time in the composer’s life, evident in the work’s relentless momentum and extreme characters, says Ariel Quartet cellist Amit Even-Tov
Masterclass: Hoffmeister Viola Concerto in D major, first movement
Knowledge of the Classical style, technical proficiency and musical creativity are keys to making this movement successful beyond audition preparation, says violist Louise Lansdown
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to practise effectively with violinist Ray Chen
The first in our new four-part education themed podcast series features our September 2024 cover star
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
Competitions
Haslemere International String Competition announces 2026 winners
British violinist Sofia Demetriades wins £3,000 and a performance engagement with the English Chamber Orchestra
Violinist Keila Wakao wins the 2026 National Schadt String Competition
The US–Japanese violinist receives $12,000 and a performance engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra
Winners announced for the 2026 Leipzig Bach Competition
German violinist Miha Zhu receives €20,000
‘Prokofiev in a mosh pit’ – ORBI’s arrangement of Muse’s Unsustainable
Double bassist Rick Stotijn and his band share a track from their new album, The Age of Greed
‘Prokofiev in a mosh pit’ – ORBI’s arrangement of Muse’s Unsustainable
‘This piece has everything a violinist can ask for’: Frank Peter Zimmermann on the Elgar Violin Concerto
Video premiere: Édith Piaf’s ‘Hymne à l’amour’ for eight cellos performed by the SCS Cello Ensemble
Cellist John-Henry Crawford performs Ravel’s ‘Pavane pour une infante défunte’
Michael Stephen Brown gives the viola the spotlight in a new work
The violin technique that shouldn’t exist: MinutePhysics explains Roman Kim’s harmonics technique
Jupiter Quartet performs Ginastera’s String Quartet no.1
Amy Beach’s Romance op.23 for double bass and piano
Roman Kim: virtuosity, artistic freedom and how to find your voice
Bach in a new space: Francesca Dego performs the Chaconne
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Making Matters: How to make a lighter viola
For some violists, playing on a lighter instrument is their holy grail. Laurent Zakowsky describes his methods to accomplish this, from thinning the back to changing the chinrest
Trade Secrets: Final scroll refinement
Some notes on finishing off one of the trickiest parts of the making process
In Focus: A 1695 viola by Christian Reichelt
Klaus Martius and Enrico Weller examine the Bohemian maker’s instrument
‘A Strad can throw you off’: Frank Peter Zimmermann on his instruments and bows
Our April 2026 cover star discusses the tools of his trade
Inveterate innovator: Louis Noebe
Despite success in his own time, and a penchant for experimentation, German maker Louis Noebe is an almost forgotten figure in lutherie history. Clifford Hall examines his life and achievements
US school repair shops: close to home
In US public school music programmes, broken instruments can harm students’ learning and create stress for teachers. Rita Fernandes discovers the schools that are tackling the problem head on by offering free repairs via in-house repair shops
Making Matters: How to make a lighter viola
For some violists, playing on a lighter instrument is their holy grail. Laurent Zakowsky describes his methods to accomplish this, from thinning the back to changing the chinrest
Trade Secrets: Final scroll refinement
Some notes on finishing off one of the trickiest parts of the making process
In Focus: A 1695 viola by Christian Reichelt
Klaus Martius and Enrico Weller examine the Bohemian maker’s instrument
‘A Strad can throw you off’: Frank Peter Zimmermann on his instruments and bows
Our April 2026 cover star discusses the tools of his trade
Inveterate innovator: Louis Noebe
Despite success in his own time, and a penchant for experimentation, German maker Louis Noebe is an almost forgotten figure in lutherie history. Clifford Hall examines his life and achievements
US school repair shops: close to home
In US public school music programmes, broken instruments can harm students’ learning and create stress for teachers. Rita Fernandes discovers the schools that are tackling the problem head on by offering free repairs via in-house repair shops
Concert review: Augustin Hadelich (violin) Philadelphia Orchestra/Dalia Stasevska
Bruce Hodges hears the performance of Barber, Adams and Mahler at Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Hall on 10 January 2026
Concert review: Yo-Yo Ma (cello) Philadelphia Orchestra/Dalia Stasevska
Bruce Hodges visits Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Hall on 14 January 2026 for the performance of Dvořák, Skoryk, Akimenko and Mendelssohn
Concert review: Laura Samuel Memorial Concert
Hattie Butterworth attends the tribute to the respected violinist at London’s Wigmore Hall on 4 January 2026, featuring works by Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn and David Raksin
Anne-Sophie Mutter, Nancy Zhou, Ye-Eun Choi: East Meets West
A champion of new music celebrates her half-century on stage
Caitlin Boyle, Dobrochna Zubek: From Dusk Till Dawn
An inspiring melting-pot of viola and cello duos
Alexander Kniazev: Shostakovich
Live recordings from an esteemed cellist prove a mixed bag
Book review: The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival
Anne Inglis reviews Anne Sebba’s moving history of the all-female ensemble that performed in the notorious Nazi death camp
Book review: Bach: The Cello Suites
Janet Banks reads Edward Klorman’s analysis of the six legendary solo works for cello by Johann Sebastian Bach
Book review: Hands, Wrists, Fingers: Creative Health for Musicians
Philippa Bunting reads Pedro de Alcantara’s volume on boosting health for the curious musician, including some novel arm, wrist, hand and finger exercises for string players
Debate
Opinion: Why students should rehearse with musicians other than their teachers
Cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell highlights how valuable and insightful it can be for string students to rehearse with a musician outside of their teacher – especially a pianist
Opinion: why string players should pay attention to large muscle groups
Fleet fingers may be the ultimate goal for string players, but it’s the larger muscle groups that form the foundations of solid technique, says cellist Davina Shum
Debate
Opinion: Why students should rehearse with musicians other than their teachers
Cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell highlights how valuable and insightful it can be for string students to rehearse with a musician outside of their teacher – especially a pianist
Opinion: why string players should pay attention to large muscle groups
Fleet fingers may be the ultimate goal for string players, but it’s the larger muscle groups that form the foundations of solid technique, says cellist Davina Shum
Accessories
Products April 2026: Jargar Eccentric violin and cello strings
The new set offers a more focused sound
Products April 2026: Dolfinos rosin
A new hypoallergenic rosin that creates less dust
Products April 2026: Schilbach digital calliper
The calliper measures 150mm and is corrosion-free
Concert review: Augustin Hadelich (violin) Philadelphia Orchestra/Dalia Stasevska
Bruce Hodges hears the performance of Barber, Adams and Mahler at Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Hall on 10 January 2026
Concert review: Yo-Yo Ma (cello) Philadelphia Orchestra/Dalia Stasevska
Bruce Hodges visits Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson Hall on 14 January 2026 for the performance of Dvořák, Skoryk, Akimenko and Mendelssohn
Concert review: Laura Samuel Memorial Concert
Hattie Butterworth attends the tribute to the respected violinist at London’s Wigmore Hall on 4 January 2026, featuring works by Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn and David Raksin
Book review: The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival
Anne Inglis reviews Anne Sebba’s moving history of the all-female ensemble that performed in the notorious Nazi death camp
Book review: Bach: The Cello Suites
Janet Banks reads Edward Klorman’s analysis of the six legendary solo works for cello by Johann Sebastian Bach
Book review: Hands, Wrists, Fingers: Creative Health for Musicians
Philippa Bunting reads Pedro de Alcantara’s volume on boosting health for the curious musician, including some novel arm, wrist, hand and finger exercises for string players
Anne-Sophie Mutter, Nancy Zhou, Ye-Eun Choi: East Meets West
A champion of new music celebrates her half-century on stage
Caitlin Boyle, Dobrochna Zubek: From Dusk Till Dawn
An inspiring melting-pot of viola and cello duos
Alexander Kniazev: Shostakovich
Live recordings from an esteemed cellist prove a mixed bag
Artists
‘Never just the notes’: the musical and teaching legacy of Igor Ozim
The violinist and pedagogue Igor Ozim died on 23 March 2024. Two years on, Dijana Ihas writes about his legacy to commemorate a teacher whose seven‑decade career shaped generations of musicians through his analytical clarity, uncompromising discipline and deep commitment to musical expression
Nemanja Radulović: music in the moment
Charismatic Serbian violinist Nemanja Radulović chats to Charlotte Gardner about the importance of artistic freedom and musical friendships, and recording his latest album of music by Prokofiev
Beauty unbound by history: cellist Tommy Mesa explores the many voices of his 1767 Gagliano
Cellist Tommy Mesa’s historic Gagliano cello frames an eclectic programme spanning repertoire familiar and new.
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