Seven Essential Pieces of Violin Music To Learn
What violin music is most essential to learn? Here are seven pieces we recommend for intermediate or advanced violinists, including composers from Beethoven to Philip Glass.
What's the Best Music Stand?
Internet, we thought you'd never ask. But first you should rephrase that question: What's the best music stand for me? That's right. Like most things in life, there isn't a single best music stand out there, but there are stands that are great for particular uses, depending on factors such as sturdiness and portability.
Memphis Shakedown: How Blues Fiddle Changed 20th Century Popular Music
When one closes their eyes to picture their archetype of a blues musician, most see someone with a guitar. This isn't too surprising: from Charley Patton to Bonnie Raitt, the guitar has been central to blues music throughout its recorded history.
Do I Need a Shoulder Rest For My Violin?
Some violinists and violists think that a shoulder rest is an absolute must; others insist it's not only unnecessary, but detrimental. So, who's right?
Remembering Evelyn Avsharian
It's time the violin community knew more about the remarkable woman behind the Children's Music Series, violinist and teacher Evelyn Bedient Avsharian.
Mutes: What Difference Do They Make?
Today, we’ll attempt to demystify the mutes used for violin, viola, cello, and double bass. These simple tools of the trade are essential string instrument accessories, and they're easy enough to use, but they also come with many questions.
"What is the Earliest Bowed String Instrument?" and Other Tricky Questions
How did humans start playing string instruments? What was the first string instrument? When did bows come into play? What is the earliest bowed string instrument?
Which Rosin is Right For Me?
If you play any instrument with a bow, you know that rosin is one of the more essential string instrument accessories. With all the options available, though, how do you choose the right one for your violin, viola, cello, or bass?
Fiddle vs. Violin: What’s the Difference?
The quick and easy answer is that there isn’t a difference! The term "fiddle" is just an informal synonym for "violin". Paganini played a fiddle; Stradivarius made fiddles; practicing your violin is just fiddling with your fiddle.