If you’ve started exploring Baroque violin playing, you might be wondering whether your modern setup is sufficient, if it’s time to invest in a Baroque bow or even a period-style instrument. Maybe you’ve experimented with gut strings, or you are already playing in a Baroque ensemble and looking for an instrument that will blend in…
Practical advice on renting, buying, and finding the right size viola for violinists ready to explore You’ve thought about trying the viola. Maybe you’ve borrowed a friend’s instrument during a break at orchestra or quartet rehearsal, or read about why switching to viola is rewarding, and now, you’re ready to find your own instrument. Based on…
A practical guide to getting comfortable on a larger instrument, learning to read alto clef, and embracing your inner violist. Are you a violinist interested in trying the viola, or even considering switching to viola as your primary instrument? As someone who added viola to my musical life a few years ago, I’ve found it…
Curious about the viola? Here’s what you’ll gain by giving it a try Whether you are a violinist looking for more opportunities to play in ensembles or have ever noticed a particularly powerful viola line in a string quartet or sonata and thought “I want to play that.,” this article is for you. As a…
Keep your instrument in peak condition with these essential tips If you’re returning to the violin or viola as an adult, or you’ve just started lessons for the first time, you might be wondering what violin or viola maintenance you should be doing to keep your instrument working well. A visit to a luthier (string…
Preparation tips for amateur violinists, violists, and cellists heading to a chamber music workshop I still remember the experience of performing the Mendelssohn Octet at my first chamber music workshop. After three days of rehearsing with the ensemble, our group took to the stage to perform the work for the other participants. The exhilarating performance…
A resource-packed guide for adult amateurs who want to dive into early music and find their playing community After trying out a Baroque bow, or maybe a set of gut strings, you might be eager to join your first early music ensemble, but don’t know where to begin. I stumbled into my local Baroque orchestra…
From gut strings to A415, starting your journey into baroque playing This article offers an introduction to historically informed performance for amateur violinists. If you’re looking for a more practical, step-by-step guide to equipment, ensembles, and next steps, you’ll find that in my Getting Started with Baroque Violin and Viola guide. In 2017, when I…
Avoid Counterfeit Strings and Shop Wisely to Get Your Best Sound As an amateur violinist, I don’t want to spend more than I need on my violin strings, but I also want my violin to sound its best, and good strings do make a difference. Whether you are a fellow amateur, a student, or a…
I tried more rosin brands than I’d like to admit, and these are my favorites The best violin rosin in the world won’t make me a better violinist, but that didn’t make me any less inclined to try every rosin I could get my hands on. There are so many brands of rosin that it…