The COVID-19 pandemic is a global disaster, but it’s not stopping us from making, learning, and sharing music. As more and more performers, schools, and events make the switch from in-person to online gathering, Strings is curating this Online Events…
By Laurence Vittes When the Los Angeles Philharmonic returned to work on September 21, it was joined by violinist Sydney Adedamola and violist Jarrett Threadgill, the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen L.A. Phil Resident Fellows, a training program now in…
By Mary Nemet | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine In this issue we look at new printed music including Gabriel Fuaré’s warmly elegant Sonata No. 1 in D minor for cello and piano, Ferdinand Ries’ challenging Three…
By Laurel Thomsen 1. Test & Plan for Success The process of album promotion should begin long before your first recording session, at performances where you test drive material and determine which songs your audience members can’t live without. It’s important…
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As told to Greg Cahill Keep Connected chronicles the ways in which string players and organizations are supporting and keeping in touch with their audiences or students throughout the global coronavirus pandemic. Even as society reopens, virtual concerts and social-media outreach programs…
With minimal investment, you can record and overdub quality audio and video from home. Here's the tech and know-how you need to produce a remote ensemble recording.
By Brian Wise | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine Music may have charms to soothe a savage breast, soften rocks, and “bend a knotted oak,” according to the poet William Congreve. But as any instrument maker will…
By Laurence Vittes | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine When Chinese-Canadian violist Teng Li was named principal of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2018, after 14 years as principal in Toronto, she was offered the opportunity to…
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By Greg Cahill | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine The Rodeo is back in town—the highly acclaimed classical-crossover band Goat Rodeo, that is. Classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma has reunited with Americana musicians Chris Thile (mandolin, fiddle), Edgar…
As told to Greg Cahill Keep Connected chronicles the ways in which string players and organizations are supporting and keeping in touch with their audiences or students throughout the global coronavirus pandemic. Even as society reopens, virtual concerts and social-media outreach programs…
Follow these 11 rules to create a winning demo or commercial recording By Louise Lee At some time or another, just about every performer or ensemble needs to make a recording. It’s an essential tool to get the word out…
By David Templeton | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine Thomas Mesa began playing the cello in middle school, when he was 12. Now 30, and a highly sought-after soloist and educator, he acknowledges that he was a…
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By Peter Shaw | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine What is your favorite part of the process of making a violin—what day do you most look forward to? My favorite part of the instrument-making process is the…
By Laurence Vittes | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine The Alexander String Quartet—violinists Zakarias Grafilo and Frederick Lifsitz, violist Paul Yarbrough, and cellist Sandy Wilson—has not been idle during the COVID-19 hiatus. While preparing for uncertain performances…
Use audio and video to train yourself to hear what you actually played and not what you think you played
By Greg Cahill | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine “The coronavirus pandemic and quarantine have ultimately revealed how fragile the classical music ‘business’ is,” says James Wilson, cellist and artistic coordinator of the conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra,…
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By Patrick Sullivan 1. Don’t Be Boring The first rule of YouTube: Don’t be boring. “Create content that you find fun, that activates you,” advises violist Drew Alexander Forde, known online as ThatViolaKid. “Look at what other people are doing,”…
By Miranda Wilson | From the September-October 2020 issue of Strings magazine The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 hit music students hard. Under strict stay-at-home orders in the spring semester, many college professors suddenly found themselves using technology in unfamiliar ways.…
By Blair Jackson Thanks to the ongoing digital audio revolution, it’s never been easier or more affordable to make high-quality music recordings in your own home or work space. Whether you want to make casual reference recordings to assess your…
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