Blogs

There are a lot of inexpensive violins for beginners, but there's a reason they're so cheap. In short, you end up paying one way or another.

An overview of how violins infiltrated rock & roll in the progressive (prog) era, featuring King Crimson, Kansas, Curved Air, and more.

Exploring the difference between mute styles and materials for string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass).

A brief history of the blues fiddle and its place in 20th Century popular music. Featuring The Mississippi Sheiks, Big Bill Broonzy, and more.

Detroit violinist Michelle May share her view on diversity in classical music.

A discussion with the renowned fiddler Kiana June Weber (Gaelic Storm, 'Come From Away') on that eternal beginner question: is it hard to learn the violin?

Our staff goes wild and picks exactly what THEY would like as gifts from Shar.

There are many beginner violins for sale online, but how can you tell which ones will actually help a student learn to love the 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?