Ernest Chausson (1855-1899), “Poème, Op.25” Chausson was a French composer whose promising career was cut short by his early death at the age of 44. After completing his law study, he went to study composition at the Paris Conservatoire with Massenet and Franck. He worked at the Société Nationale de Musique, an organization that promotes…
The violin is one of the most versatile instruments in the world, capable of expressing a wide range of musical styles. Broadly speaking, violinists can be grouped into two categories: classical violinists and contemporary violinists. While both share the same instrument, their training, performance practices, and musical goals often differ. Understanding these differences offers insight…
How to Interpret Staccato Staccato is a musical term for notes that are played short and detached. Notes to be played with Staccato are simply notated with a dot above or below. Staccato can also be used as a term to describe the overall articulation of a passage or a piece. The opposite of Staccato…
A New Approach The left-hand and right-hand techniques for violin playing were often addressed separately. In a nutshell, the right hand/the bow arm, is responsible for producing tone, varying dynamics, and managing rhythms and articulations, whereas the left hand is responsible for vibrato and the accuracy of pitch. Kato Havas, however, believes that for violin…
Why Learn and Practice Etudes? Etudes and studies are useful tools to build good techniques. Students who practice a wide range of etudes will find it easier to play their pieces. The reason for it is that these exercises contain many similar writings and motives found in the standard repertoire. On the contrary, the learning…
Rebab – The Earliest Bowed String Instrument String instruments have existed for more than 4,500 years, most of the earliest chordophones (instruments that produce sound by the vibration of strings) were plucked-string instruments. The origins of the violin can be traced back to one of the earliest bowed-string instruments – the Arabic Rebab (various spellings…
Music as Career Learning to play a musical instrument is widely recognized as an enriching experience with lasting benefits. Research has consistently shown that music education enhances cognitive development, discipline, creativity, emotional well-being, and social skills. As a result, many parents are willing to invest significant time and resources into music lessons, believing that the…
What Is Intonation? Intonation refers to the accuracy of pitch, where notes can sound higher or lower than expected if the performers are not well-trained. Most violin students spend much of their effort on intonation in their practice routine. Bad intonation can dampen the instrument’s tone quality and weaken the harmonic effect of the whole ensemble. The…
The Dounis Method of Playing Violin Demetrius Constantine Dounis was an influential Greek violin pedagogue of the 20th century. His treatises on violin technique cover many areas. Still, he was mainly known for his approach to the proper ergonomics of violin playing and the development of muscular strength and flexibility in different parts of the…
Strings The string instruments found in an orchestra can be categorized into two groups—bowed string and plucked string. Bowed StringsThe bowed string instruments, also known as the violin family, consist of the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. These instruments have four strings and are played with a bow. Sounds are produced by drawing the…
How to Become a Better Musician Practicing is an integral part of learning to play a musical instrument. It is how musicians improve their skills and become better. A good musician does not turn skillful overnight. Instead, it is through years and years of hard work. Practicing a musical instrument can be enjoyable and, at…
They Shall Have Music They Shall Have Music was a 1939 film that featured Jascha Heifetz as… Jascha Heifetz! It was a classic black-and-white film that advocates music education for the poor. The story revolves around Frankie, a young street bully who has some talent in music. After he watched a Heifetz’s concert, he fell…