Best The Strad Podcasts (2024)

1
3 effective ways to end your violin practice 24:57

1M ago24:57

24:57

I've talked a lot about violin warmups and technique exercises that you should be doing at the beginning of your practice session, but it’s just as important to look at how to end our practice. The way we end our practice session sets up the beginning of the next day’s work, and ideally we end wanting to go on and not in a mountain of frustration (…

1
How professionals practice, with Davina Shum of the Strad 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

I’m joined by cellist and online editor of the Strad, Davina Shum. We discuss practicing, careers in classical music, and practical tips for adult learners. Full blog post the Strad Podcast Articles by Davina: Why don't string players practice pizzicato The importance and difficulty of playing softly A case for depping Send me a text message For le…

1
6 violin techniques you should practice every day 25:25

2M ago25:25

25:25

In my 15 years of teaching violin, I’ve noticed a topic that is confusing for a lot of adult learners: how to structure their technique and warmup practice. In this blog post, I wanted to discuss six things that I think that every violinist should be practicing in some form at every practice session— some of these will be more geared towards interm…

1
On practicing smarter and violin vs. viola, with Liz and Steph from MusicianCentric 49:31

3M ago49:31

49:31

I’m joined violists Liz & Steph, the hosts of MusicianCentric Podcast. They share new research on how to practice smarter and the differences between viola and violin. Listen to MusicianCentric podcast here Molly Gebrian episode / Susanna Klein episode --- Full blog post and transcript Free violin warmups guide Join the Violin Class newsletter Send…

1
Making time for violin in a busy season of life | Student Stories: Carly 1:09:16

3M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

I’m sharing an interview with my private student, Carly. Carly started the violin in her late 20s and has made fast progress in the 2 years that we have been working together. She discusses how she’s been able to progress without having a ton of time to practice— in addition to learning violin, Carly is busy raising and homeschooling 4 young childr…

1
Posture and body awareness for adult learners, with Rachael Ridge 42:12

4M ago42:12

42:12

Joining me on Violin Class this week is violin teacher Rachael Ridge, with whom I’ll be discussing: Body awareness How to relax and release tension as an adult learner. The importance of singing Proper posture on violin As well as her own journey with arthritis and how she’s been able to practice to avoid pain. Send me a text message For lesson inq…

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

4M 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
7 top vibrato mistakes, explained 28:38

4M ago28:38

28:38

Vibrato Series 3/3. Did you know that certain styles of vibrato can be controversial? This episodes explores the most common mistakes violinists make at every level of their playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about what issues are most prevalent when violinists are learning vibrato in beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages of their studies…

1
Preparing for vibrato as a beginner 24:15

5M ago24:15

24:15

Vibrato series 2/3 Learning vibrato is such an important rite of passage when it comes to learning the violin. It's something that every violin student strives for and something that sometimes feels impossible to learn. However, vibrato is not a beginner technique, and I completely understand the frustration when it comes to wanting to play with a …

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

5M 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
The ultimate guide to learning vibrato 24:09

5M ago24:09

24:09

Vibrato Series 1/3. Learning vibrato is a long process, but there is a method to it. With the right guidance, a lot of practice and a whole lot of patience, you can learn vibrato and add it to your playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about: What vibrato is and how it works Arm vs. wrist vibrato The 4 stages of learning vibrato Examples of differ…

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

5M 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

5M 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
Practicing strategies: how to make progress when time is limited 25:19

5M ago25:19

25:19

So much to practice and so little time: I think this is a feeling that a lot of us can relate to. I'm going to show you how you can continue to progress on the violin even if you're limited by your schedule. In this episode, I discuss: - The 2 keys to practicing with limited time - How to fit more violin practice time into your day - How to approac…

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

6M 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

6M 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
An adult violin student shares her advice | Student stories: Lisa 55:23

6M ago55:23

55:23

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my private student Lisa, who has been playing the violin for 2 years. She shares her advice for beginners and how she makes music a meaningful part of her life. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinc…

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

6M 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

6M 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
How to immerse yourself in the violin world - in 7 steps 42:55

6M ago42:55

42:55

They say the best way of learning a language quickly and completely is total immersion, and the same is true for violin. In this episode, I walk you through a day-in-the-life of a conservatory student and give you ideas for creating an immersive experience of your own. For lesson inquiries, email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Join the Violin Clas…

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

7M 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

7M 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
How to play faster on violin: a step-by-step method 24:09

7M ago24:09

24:09

I delve into nitty-gritty of playing the violin faster, and share the steps to building up speed while maintaining clarity. For lesson inquiries, email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying…

1
A violin teacher's advice to adult beginner violinists 28:08

7M ago28:08

28:08

I share some advice to adult violin learners who are just starting, including setting realistic goals, the importance of regular practice, choosing the right resources, when to start lessons, and the benefits of active listening. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links mentioned in t…

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

8M 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
Episode 104: Brescia vs Cremona with luthier Linda Lespets 17:56

9M 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

9M 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
Episode 102: teaching students to teach themselves with cellist Laurence Lesser 21:53

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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
Episode 97: Pavel Berman on playing Oistrakh’s Stradivari violin 13:14

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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
Episode 93: creative storytelling with cellist Alexander Hersh 19:39

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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

12M 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

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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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
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
Common beginner violinist mistakes and how to fix them 30:17

1y ago30:17

30:17

I dive into some of the common mistakes I run into as a violin teacher, and some of the solutions (sometimes quick, sometimes less quick) to fix them. Send me a text message For lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or violinclasspod@gmail.com. Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries…

1
Creating a musical community: The key to growing as a violinist 20:26

1y ago20:26

20:26

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiriesBy Julia Reddy

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

1+ y 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 …

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