Having just returned from the biennial General Meeting of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, I have a deeper sense of the group's purpose: to unite a group of independent-minded people and to create a community for sharing.

Though gathering violin and bow makers can be a bit like herding cats, the meeting, held May 9–13 in New Orleans, was a thrill-ride for those interested in the history of violin and bow making.

Every good meeting needs a focus, and the speakers’ talks... Continue

Added by Greg Olwell on May 16, 2012 at 9:18am –

The New York Philharmonic, under the baton of of music director Alan Gilbert, performed Sunday, May 13, on the first of a two-night stand at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, and the thundering applause at the close of its encore performance of Bernstein's "Lonely Town: Pas de deux from On the Town" said it all.

The concert was part of a tour of six California cities and, remarkably, the first US tour for the venerable New York Phil since Gilbert took the reins three years ago.

After a  May... Continue

Added by Greg Cahill on May 14, 2012 at 11:01am –

A quick-and-easy guide to evaluating a new stick

• Type of Material   Brazilwood (prices usually run between $50 and $200); Pernambuco (priced anywhere from $100 to $10,000 or more); carbon fiber (priced anywhere between $50 and several thousand dollars); fiberglass (usually the lowest-priced option).

• Sound   Look for a bow that will give both a smooth, broad sound and at the same time possesses great clarity of focus and the quickness of response that comes from a stronger, stiffer bow.... Continue
  Added by Richard Ward on May 11, 2012 at 2:30pm –

During my time as artist-in-residence for Minnesota Public Radio, during the past year, I have had many exciting experiences. One in particular was the opportunity to travel throughout greater Minnesota for two weeks visiting numerous schools and music classes. The point of this was to play for and talk with young people about classical music. In doing this, I showed them that I had a passion for something. Through my example, my hope was that they, too, will search and hopefully grasp their... Continue

Added by Chad Hoopes on May 03, 2012 at 2:56pm –