Best Michael Reddy Podcasts (2024)

1
Pitch versus Tone 22:46

19d ago22:46

22:46

Beginning students, but even the more advanced among us, often struggle with pitch (intonation) and tone. Troubleshooting sounds we'd like to improve can be especially frustrating when we're having a hard time differentiating between the two. One is the domain of the left hand, while the other, the domain of the right. In this episode we explore ho…

1
"Weaving musical worlds into one" - a conversation with Jazz violinist and composer Meg Okura 1:29:27

2M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

In this episode we speak with Tokyo born, New York based Jazz violinist and composer about her new album, "Lingering," with pianist Kevin Hayes, how her conversion to Judaism has informed her life and music, her journey from Julliard to free improvisation, and how she's managed to turn labels and stereotypes into assets along her career path. Show …

1
Shifting Technique Deep Dive 37:35

3M ago37:35

37:35

What is shifting? How do we make our shifts more accurate and clean? If we're just beginning and not ready to learn how to shift yet, what can we do to ensure we'll be ready when the time comes? Join me as we dive deep into the nuances of shifting technique as it applies to the violin or viola, with tips also helpful for cellists, and for both begi…

1
Episode 115: designing your own musical education as an adult learner with violinist Julia Reddy 20:51

3M ago20:51

20:51

Julia Reddy is the host of the Violin Class Podcast and teaches a studio comprising solely of adult learners. She and online editor Davina had a chat about how adult students can be proactive and design their own musical curriculum beyond the practice room - a completely different game from teaching children. What are your favourite ways to enrich …

1
Episode 114: exploring resources and finding your teaching style with cellist Guy Johnston 19:20

4M ago19:20

19:20

Many of us as string players will find ourselves teaching in one way or another throughout our careers. We learn and pass on this great legacy of tradition that has gone before us. But what else informs our teaching? How do we find our groove, so to speak, as teachers and players? Cellist Guy Johnston spoke with online editor Davina about finding h…

1
Play More Musically 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

Many of us were drawn to play the violin, viola, or cello because we'd heard playing that brought us to tears, filled us with joy, or expressed a feeling that we couldn't even describe with words. Truly, there seems to be no limit to the emotions and the variety of sounds these instruments can express. However, our first weeks, months, and even yea…

1
Episode 113: Uncovering Ysaÿe’s lost works with violinist Philippe Graffin 14:36

4M ago14:36

14:36

If you’ve read our February 2024 issue, you would’ve read our feature on the long-lost work by Ysaÿe, his Poème concertant. Violinist Philippe Graffin has recorded the work that had been undiscovered for more than a century – he joins online editor Davina in this episode to speak about uncovering Ysaÿe’s forgotten works, the history and inspiration…

1
Episode 112: making musical choices with violist and composer Jessica Meyer 18:27

4M ago18:27

18:27

How do you feel about improvising on a stringed instrument? While there are many musicians who specialise in this craft, you wouldn’t have to search far for string players where mention of the words ‘improv’ and ‘solo’ is enough to strike fear into their hearts. Violist and composer Jessica Meyer spoke to online editor and cellist Davina about how …

1
Episode 111: juggling orchestral and solo playing with double bassist Michael Rieber 15:42

5M ago15:42

15:42

Double bassist Michael Rieber is the first solo double bass player from the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg. Not only does he hold a principal position in one of Europe’s top orchestras, he’s also released a recording of French works called Nuits Blanches. How does Michael find the time to take on two very high-calibre jobs and projects? M…

1
Episode 110: Stravinsky's kaleidoscope of colours with violinist Alena Baeva 16:41

5M ago16:41

16:41

Violinist Alena Baeva spoke with online editor Davina recently about the music of Stravinsky – specifically the Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss, which was arranged by Samuel Dushkin for violin and piano. She spoke about how this music encourages the player to harness the power of the imagination to showcase the kaleidoscope of colours displayed …

1
Getting comfortable with Uncomfort: Tools for Overcoming Performance Anxiety 1:11:05

5M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

It's frustrating and disheartening when all our preparation in the practice room doesn't make it out onto the stage. Instead of presenting the polished piece we've been performing in the comfort of our room, we're suddenly overcome by hyper-drive vibrato, sweaty palms, or a bow that jitters and skids as we squeak out our phrases. We're overwhelmed …

1
Episode 109: the importance of a positive mindset with cellist Maja Bogdanović 22:44

5M ago22:44

22:44

Maja Bogdanović is no stranger to a busy life – she enjoys an international solo and chamber career as well as collaborations with regular musical partners, including her husband the violinist Daniel Rowland. Maja’s shared her thoughts with us previously on thestrad.com about travelling not only with a cello, but also with a small child. How does M…

1
Episode 108: In search of authenticity: exploring Brahms's Violin Sonata no.2 with Daniel Kurganov 14:55

5M ago14:55

14:55

If you’ve got a copy of our new February 2024 issue, (or seen it online) you would’ve seen our Masterclass feature on the first movement of Brahms’s Violin Sonata no.2, op.100 with violinist Daniel Kurganov. The interview for the Masterclass feature was just a tiny part of a larger conversation that, in addition to Daniel’s musical and technical ad…

1
Episode 107: back to basics with cellist Gabriel Schwabe 23:02

6M ago23:02

23:02

In our quest for virtuosic brilliance and flair in our music making, as string players, sometimes we forget that coming back to basics is important for solving many problems in our playing and performance. Many people to get distracted by the complexities of a particular obstacle, or perhaps try and tackle too many problems at once, leading to a se…

1
Episode 106: 3D learning and creative teaching with violinist Rachel Cooper 22:45

6M ago22:45

22:45

Rachel Cooper is a violin teacher who was recently awarded the Emerging Artist Award given by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the 2023 Women in Classical Music Symposium. She’s a Suzuki teacher, a violin and chamber music coach at Junior Guildhall and works for Nicola Benedetti’s education initiative, the Benedetti Foundation. As part of her award…

1
"Make Great Music with Ease" - a chat with violinist and Art of Freedom Method creator Jennifer Roig-Francolí 1:35:57

6M ago1:35:57

1:35:57

Happy New Year! We want our music making journey to be positive and comfortable, so we can express ourselves with freedom. Listen in as I chat with Jennifer Roig-Francolí, a professional violinist, certified Alexander Technique instructor, and the creator of the Art of Freedom Method. We learn about Jennifer’s path from concert violinist to her rol…

1
Episode 105: active string teaching and learning with violinist Mahaliah Edwards 26:01

7M ago26:01

26:01

Violinist Mahaliah Edwards spoke to online editor Davina recently about her approaches to teaching students in a wide range of scenarios, which call for actively involving pupils in music making and learning, and with Mahaliah taking on the role of ‘being the teacher that she would’ve like to have had.’ Perhaps you’re a string teacher interested in…

1
Finding a comfortable and effective chin and shoulder rest 19:32

7M ago19:32

19:32

It's holiday time! Why not give the gift of comfort to yourself, your child, or your student, with a more suitable chin or shoulder rest! In this episode, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen shares the factors we need to consider when shopping for a more secure, effective, and comfortable chin and shoulder rest. And as we'll find, t…

1
Episode 104: Brescia vs Cremona with luthier Linda Lespets 17:56

8M ago17:56

17:56

The city of Cremona is revered as being the historical birthplace and home of the violin and violin making, with luthiers today still emulating the models of Stradivari, Guarneri and the like. But what about the makers in nearby Brescia? Despite being geographically close, the city of Brescia has a remarkably different story, producing instruments …

1
Episode 103: adult learner mindset with violinist Rachael Ridge 18:58

8M ago18:58

18:58

The topic of adult beginners and adult learners is one that resonates with many readers of The Strad. Here to chat with online editor Davina about the mindset of adult students is violinist and teacher Rachael Ridge, who has written extensively on the subject for thestrad.com. She’s the founder of the Adult Violin Academy and speaks about her exper…

1
Music Careers, Part 3 34:41

8M ago34:41

34:41

In this last installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers that are more "behind the scenes," as well as a few that don't neatly fit into other categories. Despite not necessarily placing us in the spotlight, most could become stand-alone full-time careers, or a supplement to a p…

1
Episode 102: teaching students to teach themselves with cellist Laurence Lesser 21:53

8M ago21:53

21:53

This year, cellist Laurence Lesser celebrates his 85th birthday, as well as 50 years at the New England Conservatory, where he is president emeritus. His numerous students appear in concert halls, orchestras, teaching studios and more around the world. He speaks to online editor Davina about his teaching methods and approaches, including the ‘what,…

1
Episode 101: inside the Zemtsov viola dynasty with Dana and Mikhail Zemtsov 22:39

9M ago22:39

22:39

Hailing from a family of viola players are Dana and Mikhail Zemtsov. Ahead of the release of their album Fathers and Daughters, the Zemtsovs spoke with me about being part of a viola dynasty. How did this collective of violists come about? What makes a typical violist? The duo share how the family is united by instrument, as well as painting a pict…

1
Episode 100: Cheng² Duo on new works for cello and piano 26:30

9M ago26:30

26:30

Recent visitors to thestrad.com may have noticed a video that premiered called Racing Horses, featuring a spirited performance from the cello and piano Cheng2 Duo, comprising siblings Bryan Cheng on cello and Silvie Cheng on piano. Racing Horses features on their upcoming album Portrait, which contains works by composers of Asian heritage, as well …

1
Episode 99: how to lead a string section with violist Daniel Foster 16:28

9M ago16:28

16:28

Playing as a principal player in a string section of an orchestra certainly has its challenges – but how do you learn how to lead a section? There’s plenty of tuition on audition preparation and orchestral repertoire for students – but it's unlikely many string players attend a class called ‘Leading 101’ while at college! It’s certainly a job that …

1
Episode 98: finding new double bass repertoire with Valentina Ciardelli 19:57

9M ago19:57

19:57

Perhaps somewhat frustrated with the scarcity of double bass repertoire, Valentina Ciardelli is committed to finding and creating new repertoire for double bassists. Valentina is the founder of the How I met Puccini project, transcribing arias for double bass and other stringed instruments. She speaks about showcasing and celebrating the double bas…

1
Russian versus American Music Education - a conversation with Russian violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin 1:28:57

9M ago1:28:57

1:28:57

In this episode we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Russian born violinist and educator Michael Dvoskin about the differences between violin training in Russia versus the United States. Michael also shares his story about immigrating to America, and tips for students preparing for an audition or recital. In effort to create both a successful a…

1
Episode 97: Pavel Berman on playing Oistrakh’s Stradivari violin 13:14

9M ago13:14

13:14

Violinist Pavel Berman is in the rather unique and fortuitous position of having the opportunity to play on the 1702 'David Oistrakh' Stradivari violin – not only that, but he has recorded the Shostakovich Violin Sonata recently with pianist Maria Meerovitch, a work that was written for Oistrakh himself! What’s it like, coming face-to-face with the…

1
Episode 96: Christian Tetzlaff on Bartók Violin Concerto no.2 13:58

10M ago13:58

13:58

Ahead of an upcoming performance with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, violinist Christian Tetzlaff spoke to Davina about performing Bartok’s Violin Concerto no.2. When did he first encounter it? What are his favourite moments? How does he get through the monumental work in one piece? Christian will be performing the Bartok on 30 September with t…

1
Episode 95: Historical instrument chat with violinist Rachel Podger 20:17

10M ago20:17

20:17

Violinist Rachel Podger is no stranger to the pages of The Strad magazine, having featured in several articles and reviews throughout her prolific career. Ahead of her busy upcoming season, which sees her as artist in focus at London’s Kings Place, artistic director of Brecon Baroque Festival, a recording release of the Goldberg Variations, plus pr…

1
Episode 94: a theatrical Verklärte Nacht with cellist Matthew Barley 15:51

10M ago15:51

15:51

Cellist Matthew Barley spoke to Davina recently about Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht, or Transfigured Night – a piece which is so epically challenging and takes the players and listeners on an emotional journey. Matthew speaks about bringing other disciplines of theatre, electronics, dance and lighting to present a theatrical version of the work, whi…

1
Making Time for Music: a chat with violinist Julia Reddy 1:19:56

10M ago1:19:56

1:19:56

Today we speak with violinist, educator, and Violin Class podcast creator and host Julia Reddy about making time for practice. We discuss how to ramp back up after a hiatus, how to make the most out of limited time, how to effectively divide up our practice time and focus our attention for results, and how to balance our practice routine when juggl…

1
Episode 93: creative storytelling with cellist Alexander Hersh 19:39

10M ago19:39

19:39

You may have seen a video premiere on thestrad.com last week of a film called Absinthe featuring cellist Alexander Hersh. Absinthe is more than a film series – it’s also an album of music featuring works that were written before the European ban of the highly alcoholic drink, the music from which provides the soundtrack to a crazy narrative that se…

1
Episode 92: remembering violinist Geoff Nuttall of the St. Lawrence String Quartet 16:19

11M ago16:19

16:19

The musical world was shaken in October 2022 when news broke out of Geoff Nuttall’s passing. Geoff was the founding first violinist of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, an ensemble that has enchanted audiences worldwide since 1989 and served as ensemble in residence at Stanford University since 1998. The St. Lawrence’s co-founding violist Lesley Rob…

1
Episode 91: ’The Music Critic’ with violinist Aleksey Igudesman 21:31

11M ago21:31

21:31

Coming to US audiences in October is Aleksey Igudesman’s show The Music Critic, which, with a cast of musicians and the actor John Malkovich, combines classical music, comedy and theatre to focus on 'the most horrible reviews of the most beautiful music ever written.' Aleksey spoke to online editor Davina recently about the ideas behind the show, w…

1
Episode 90: on the road with the Aizuri Quartet 20:05

11M ago20:05

20:05

Gracing the headlines recently is the Aizuri Quartet, which has announced two new members of the ensemble in advance of its busy 2023/24 performing season. The upcoming year sees the quartet performing a range of repertoire around the US. Here to speak with online editor Davina in this episode is violinist Emma Frucht, who shared her insights and s…

1
Episode 89: playing in Broadway shows with violist Stephanie Baer 29:40

11M ago29:40

29:40

Stephanie Baer is a violist who, in addition to serving as director of string studies and orchestras, plus professor of viola and chamber music at NYU Steinhardt, has enjoyed a multi-faceted musical career within the New York community. Notably, Stephanie held the chair of principal viola in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera for 2…

1
Finding our voice, from Classical strings to Hot Jazz - A chat with violinist Gabe Terracciano 1:44:26

11M ago1:44:26

1:44:26

Today we chat with Grammy-nominated violinist Gabe Terracciano, who's expanding the range of the violin as a member of the Turtle Island String Quartet and the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, among other exciting projects. We hear about Gabe's transition from nearly quitting early Classical lessons to discovering and falling in love with Jazz, discuss what …

1
Episode 88: Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop with cellist Mike Block 13:03

12M ago13:03

13:03

Happening from 6 to 12 August this year is the Silkroad Global Musician Workshop. Silkroad was founded by Yo-Yo Ma and aims to use arts to inspire cultural exchange and collaboration. Cellist and director of the Global Musician Workshop Mike Block shares how musicians representing different cultures, traditions and disciplines come together for the…

1
Episode 87: Yoga and string playing with violinist Melissa White 23:13

12M ago23:13

23:13

The principles of yoga are so easily transferred to string playing and vice versa – concepts such as thinking about one’s breath, mindfulness, discipline and being kind to oneself. Violinist Melissa White is a trained yogi and co-founder of Intermission, a programme that unites body, mind, breath and music making with yoga and meditation. She spoke…

1
Episode 86: violinist Francisco Fullana on the 1735 Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ ’Mary Portman, ex-Kreisler’ violin 15:27

12M ago15:27

15:27

Can you imagine playing Kreisler’s violin? If you’re Francisco Fullana, you don’t have to imagine. He is lucky enough to get to play the 1735 Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ 'Mary Portman, ex-Kreisler' violin, thanks to Clement and Karen Arrison through the Stradivari Society of Chicago. He joins online editor Davina Shum in this episode to 'nerd out' on fine …

1
Episode 85: the Dudok Quartet on ’What Remains’ and eclecticism 14:02

1y ago14:02

14:02

When you hear the word ‘eclectic’, what do you think of? Random, perhaps? Eclectic does not mean random, as illustrated by the guests of this episode from the Dudok Quartet. Violinist Marleen Wester and cellist David Faber speak to online editor Davina Shum about the quartet’s new album What Remains, an eclectic mix of repertoire spanning 1000 year…

1
Rediscovering Baroque Bows - a chat with historical bowmaker Ralph Ashmead 1:24:18

1y ago1:24:18

1:24:18

The bow is a string player's primary "tool for tone," but like any tool, sometimes we need more than one to get the job done. In this episode we speak with historical bow maker Ralph Ashmead, learning all about the differences between Baroque, Transitional, and Modern bows, the reasons why we might choose one over another, and exploring the factors…

1
Episode 84: double bassist Luis Cabrera on performing Bach Cello Suites 14:28

1y ago14:28

14:28

Luis Cabrera the principal bass of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. When he’s not doing either of those jobs, he’s tackling some monumental solo repertoire – Bach’s Cello Suite no.1… on double bass! Luis chats with online editor Davina Shum about his long journey preparing …

1
Where am I supposed to put my thumb on the violin neck? Principles and considerations. 20:58

1y ago20:58

20:58

A lot of us often wonder, where am I supposed to place my thumb on the violin (or viola) neck? What finger should it be closest to? Should it be stationary? Should it move? Is there a spot that will magically help it stop gripping and finally relax? Today we explore this question recently posed by a podcast listener. Always a frequent topic among L…

1
Music Careers, Part 2 26:44

1y ago26:44

26:44

In this second installment of her Music Careers series, violinist/violist, teacher, and host Laurel Thomsen explores music careers and activities that require knowledge and skill in music, but not necessarily on one particular instrument. It’s rare for even very talented musicians to be able to make a living at performance alone, so piecing togethe…

1
Episode 83: making the transition from student to fine instruments with Peter Herresthal 19:18

1y ago19:18

19:18

Most string players will get to a point in their career where their faithful instrument has served them to the best of its ability, and the time has come for the player to think about upgrading to a fine instrument. It can be very exciting, the prospect of finding the best instrument, but also daunting – we don’t have to mention how expensive fine …

1
Episode 82: Violinist Tessa Lark on The Stradgrass Sessions 16:24

1y ago16:24

16:24

Tessa Lark’s long awaited Stradgrass Sessions album is out on 5 May, comprising a melting pot of styles, influences and collaborations in one disc. She spoke online editor Davina Shum recently about how her musical upbringing in Kentucky combining Americana and classical has shaped her, the versatility of her c.1600 Maggini violin, plus why one of …

1
Strengths and Challenges of Adult Learners - an interview with Rachael Ridge of "The Adult Violin Academy" 1:03:39

1y ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this episode, we talk to Rachael Ridge, an Indiana based violinist and violin teacher, and the creator of "The Adult Violin Academy," a self paced online, video based course geared towards adult learners and their unique needs. We discuss the strengths that adult students bring to the table, as well as common challenges, like finding enough time…

1
Episode 81: TwoSet Violin’s Brett Yang on the ‘Empress Caterina’ Stradivari 16:08

1y ago16:08

16:08

TwoSet Violin celebrated a significant milestone late in 2022: upon reaching 4 million subscribers on YouTube, the violin comedy duo put on a performance of a lifetime with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, with Brett Yang playing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, and Eddy Chen joining him later for the Bach Violin Concerto for two violins. Not only…

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