Imagine a violin that has had a bigger career than most any musician… Times 10. Player Violinist Jeremy Cohen is the founder of Quartet San Francisco, an eclectic Grammy-nominated ensemble that regularly jumps boundaries, and Violinjazz, a jazz group and publisher of sheet music for modern string players. The QSF’s latest album is Pacific Premieres: […]
The Rite of Spring, A Percussionist’s Guide From the timpanist’s first triplet to the last sforzando G-sharp, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is a percussionist’s dream. Dueling timpani parts, scraped tam-tam, antique cymbals, and unique bass drum rhythms distinguish the score that changed classical music and percussion writing forever. In this definitive guide, percussionist/timpanist Chris […]
Most people have an idea of what Pilates might be, and usually that idea involves lots of abdominal work in a group class at a gym. While that’s a common misconception, Pilates is a much larger method of movement involving specific equipment, springs, and over 600 exercises, created by a man named Joseph Pilates. While […]
As a string musician, part of understanding your instrument and the sound you want to create includes understanding the strings you put on that instrument. From gut strings to steel core to synthetics, the composition of orchestral strings have changed through the centuries — and will continue to change as long as technology is used […]
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 […]
In the 30-plus years I’ve been playing music, I’ve owned dozens of guitars. Sometimes a new guitar is something you’ve been dreaming of for years, sometimes it’s a guitar that scratches an itch, and sometimes it’s a deal that’s too good to pass up. That said, I don’t think I’ve ever owned more than eight […]
In this month’s video, Dr. Randy Kertz discusses better health practices for musicians who play brass and woodwind instruments, specifically, posture. Posture plays a large part in effective breathing techniques, which affects stamina, tone, and playability. In short, if your posture is lousy, your breathing is not as effective. Dr. Kertz’s monthly column addresses how […]
It’s rare that songwriters set out to write a new song with the goal of making it “therapeutic” for their listeners. Most of us write songs because we enjoy the process, and many of us find it therapeutic. Some of us also write songs because we’re dreaming of that big hit. (Who hasn’t secretly entertained […]
We’ve chosen our favorites, now it’s your turn. Pick your favorite artist or group from our Fall 2020 Community Video Contest winners and decide who will get a special feature story on Making Music! Vote now through October 16. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the voting link. The artists and videos are: […]
International recording artist, Sarah C is known for her trademark powerful and soulful voice and dynamic stage presence. As a respected vocalist she has appeared as a guest judge on Channel 7’s “All Together Now.” She has also performed backing vocals on shows such as “Ex Factor” and for some of the biggest names in […]