Fun & Entertainment
Old vs. New Violins: Can You Hear the Difference?
We compared old and new violins to see if we could really hear the difference. Can you?
Educational Corner
Carbon Fiber vs Wood Bows
Can Shar Music's own staff hear the difference between the two?
LATEST FROM THE
Article Library
Best Violin Case for Students: A Parent's Guide to Protection, Fit, and Value
Every school day, a student violin gets carried onto a bus, set down in a crowded classroom, stored in a locker, and moved through busy hallways alongside backpacks and books.
Is Viola Hard to Learn? What Beginners Should Really Expect
If you're considering learning the viola, you may wonder whether it is harder to learn than the violin or other string instruments. The viola has a distinct learning curve shaped by its larger size, wider finger spacing, thicker strings, and use of alto clef.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Violin?
Most beginners can play simple melodies within months and a complete first piece within their first year, with progress shaped by practice consistency, instruction quality, and consistent feedback. Explore Shar Music's guide to realistic timelines from your first note to advanced skill.
LATEST FROM THE
Video Library
Shoulder Rest or Not? What Every Violinist and Violist Should Know
Should violinists and violists use a shoulder rest? Explore the pros, cons, and history of this modern accessory to make the best choice for your body, style, and sound.
Interviews
Excellence in Music: An Interview with Laurie Niles
We recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Laurie Niles from Violinist.com during the 2024 ASTAxSuzuki Convention.
Poetjournalist-in-Residence
Aaron Dworkin's "Musicality"
"Musicality" by Poetjournalist-in-Residence, Aaron Dworkin encompasses the nuance that exists in the balance between technique and soul.