“The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition. My parents had me study the violin from the time I was six. My new discovery is the result of musical perception. … I see my life in terms of music.” —Albert Einstein Einstein considered playing […]
Category: Featured Article
Defying Dogma: Violinist Tracy Silverman Redefines What “Proper” Is
All the masterpieces of classical music were written in the style of their own time
and place, and I felt it was necessary for someone to update stringed instruments
for today’s composers, using today’s musical styles. It’s been my mission both to
bring string playing into rock and pop music, and also to bring this new rockinflected
21st century violin style to the concert stage in the form of significant
new repertoire…
Playing Well with Dr. Kertz — String Player Health
In this month’s video, Dr. Randy Kertz discusses how classical string musicians can avoid injury by being aware of their balance as they play. Dr. Kertz’s monthly column addresses how musicians can avoid injury, how they can identify things they may do to cause injury, and offer general health information and tips for musicians of […]
Master Musician Jeremy Cohen Talks Violin, Jazz & Teaching
Jeremy Cohen’s electrifying jazz violin performances have earned him international accolades. Classically-trained and a student of Itzhak Perlman and Anne Crowden, Cohen’s
eclectic style reflects his respect for a wide range of violinists from Perlman and Fritz Kreisler to Joe Venuti and Eddie South. Cohen has performed as jazz and tango soloist with numerous orchestras…
Strings Attached — The Accidentals on Their Terms
Female–fronted, multi-instrumentalist power trioThe Accidentals (Sav Buist, Katie Larson, and Michael Dause) have taken the scene by storm since the release of their critically acclaimed 2015 release, Bittersweet. Since then, The Accidentals have continued to follow their passion for music in a multitude of exciting and diverse ways. The band tours internationally, averaging over 270 virtual and in person shows per year. Between shows, they can be found at local schools and universities, hosting master classes and workshops for students of all ages. The band’s most recent full album, Odyssey, was released in 2018 on Sony Masterworks….
Carmine Miranda: The Joy of Life as a Cellist
American cellist Carmine Miranda has quickly established an award winning international career and recognition as a soloist, chamber musician and recording artist. Praised by many publications such as Fanfare Magazine for “fast becoming known for his ability to combine virtuosity with intense, well-thought-out interpretations” and by The Strad Magazine for “showing himself to be in full command….
The New Frontier of Violin According to Bridgid Bibbens
Violinist Bridgid Bibbens’ classical training is evident in everything she does. She has performed with major artists in the rock, pop and jazz worlds, including Christina Aguilera, Mary J Blige, Jay-Z, Robin Thicke, Father John Misty, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jenny Lewis, Guster, Tommy Lee, Josh Groban, and Harry Connick, Jr. Television appearances include NBC’s Today Show, the CBS Early Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Austin City Limits….
Ally Brown — Masterful Violinist on Taming Pain
I love a challenge. If I am approached with a project that addresses a style I haven’t worked with before, or I am asked to advise on coordinating the string parts themselves, I am all in. And it’s not for any lack of interest with other projects that I’m associated with, but I have this obsession with growth through experience…
Jeff Stockham’s Past, Present & Future As a Horn Player
Trumpeter/hornist Jeff Stockham is well-known to Upstate New York music fans. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and a veteran of the renowned Eastman Jazz Ensemble, his performance credits read like a Who’s Who of the upstate New York music scene. He has performed with the Central New York Jazz Orchestra, Salt City […]
Saxophonist Prateek Thakur Triumphs Through Music
At a young age, Prateek was diagnosed with impaired hearing, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a music teacher. He had to work twice as hard to make sure he was successful. Whenever one of his students feels discouraged, he always tells them that if he can accomplish his dream despite all the challenges he faced, anyone can do it.