Playing tips from Mimi Zweig. Find out how to practice these three things to make your practice time more efficient!

Playing tips from Mimi Zweig. Find out how to practice these three things to make your practice time more efficient!

Graduation is just around the corner. If you’re one of a parent, friend, or loved ones shopping for that unique music student, look no further.

Learn more about Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated artist, and composer, as she reveals why she loves and uses Magic Rosin!

Meet Jonathan H Warren, a professional fiddler, five-string violinist, and Mandolinist out of Nashville, Tennessee. Watch as he reviews Magic Rosin.

Please get to know why Magic Rosin is necessary as Martha Mooke reviews Magic Rosin and explains how she uses it in her everyday life.

If you are struggling with gift ideas for the musician in life, look no further. We have the perfect gift suggestions for this 2023 holiday season.

In this video, Garrett Semmelink from Thomastik-Infeld compares the new Dominant 135SNP violin set with the Dominant 135B violin set.

Watch Mimis new video explaining why being relaxed when playing the violin will lead to a much richer and better sound.

Mimi Zweig shares her thoughts on how to use a metronome. Mimi offers some great tips you can start using today!

Violinist Mimi Zweig offers a clear and concise explanation for why rhythmic practice is so important.

Playing tips from Mimi Zweig. Find out how to practice these three things to make your practice time more efficient!

A round-up article of a series of the best hip-hop performances that include violins and other string instruments in their performances.

Article focuses on the life and career of world-renowned cellist, Pablo Casals.

An overview of the Renaissance period of music, what influenced it, and what instruments came to be popular.

Mimi Zweig shows you how to perform the Up and Down Bow Staccato. She gives some clever tips on how to master it for yourself!

An in-depth article on the Medieval Era of music and the contributions it made to the music world.

An article outlining the steps a music student needs to become a music producer.

Article describes what a music producer does and what skills this career requires to be successful.

An in-depth article on the composer John Williams, including a partial list of his most famous movie sound tracks.

Explore the rhythm of summer with our curated list of the top 5 music films to see this season.

Learn how to warm up new strings in just 10 minutes! Watch the video here!

Our annual summer round-up of the best classical music concerts to attend in the summer of 2021.

Our 2021 listing of the top 7 master classes for string music students.

StringOvation's 2024 curated list of great summertime reads for music students.

Five very specific points that demonstrate why the cello is a unique instrument among all the orchestral string instruments.

Discover 5 lesser known but beautiful songs to play on the violin, viola, or cell to celebrate Spring's arrival.

A description of 5 key roles in an orchestra or symphony that most people are unaware of and that music majors or music lovers might find rewarding.

Get ideas on how to form adult learning groups for the violin. Practical tips and suggestions offered.

How to find adult learning groups for violin. Tips and practical suggestions to help you find like-minded adult learners.

Knowing the unspoken rules of among symphony members will help you fit in seamlessly and have a successful music career.

Guest article with advice on how to make a living performing cover music around the world.

Find out more about why Boveda packs are the best way to maintain humidity in your instrument.

Our 2021 list of the best reads this summer for music teachers.

Our 2021 list of top 10 new songs for string musicians to learn to play this summer.

Our 2021 update to finding summer jobs for orchestral musicians that enhance their careers.

An in-depth discussion on making a career composing music for theme parks.

A brief synopsis of 5 of the most successful female film composers today.

Seven little-known facts about French Romantic composer Claude Debussy are shared with commentary on learnings for aspiring string musicians.

A look at Rebecca Clarke, violist and composer, who has inspired millions of girls and young women to a career in musical performance and composition.

A concise summary of German cellist Daniel Mueller-Schott — his early start, mentors, teachers, performances, and albums.

5 tips for emerging string musicians about how to grow their music fan base on social media.

Seven important concepts for an aspiring music composer to bear in mind as they develop their abilities.

A discussion of how Vivaldi's Four Seasons came into being and what makes this concerto series such a unique composition for its time.

A discussion of the characteristics to look for in a superior string instrument bow to help improve your performance.

We identify the various moments and reasons when it's time to upgrade your violin.

Mimi will offer a great exercise for students looking to increase the flexibility in their fingers and wrist.  This method is called String Crossings.

The backstory of how Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns came to be composed and published.

Social media can help or hurt your string music career. Here are our tips to help you manage them for success.

Here are 5 tips to help emerging string musicians beat the performance jitters and play with confidence instead.

Learn what muscle memory is and why it's especially important for string musicians to become outstanding performers.

Tips for emerging string musicians to advance their musicianship while sheltering-in-place during COVID-19.

Synopsis of the perspectives surrounding the on-going controversy of which is better: old or new (modern) violins?

A list of 9 romantic songs to play on the violin in honor of St. Valentine's Day. Three songs are each offered for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level string players. Sheet music links provided.

A list of 10 more holiday songs for the violin, solos, duets, and string quartet options are included.

A list of top 5 holiday movies that incorporate incomparable classical music, as of 2024.

A list of 10 gifts that string musicians would be happy to receive this holiday season.

List of 13 gifts for music teachers in 2020.

In-depth information for planning, preparing, and giving a successful Facebook Live music performance.

A guide for beginning composers to learn about what you can do and have to do to make a career out of composing music for video games.

Supporting resources for adults who want to learn how to play the violin on their own.

An inside view on what judges look for in a string musician's performance during a music competition.

Interpreting music is not only fun, it's also a musical skill worth mastering. Learn these 4 tips to help you master interpreting music through your eyes.

Got small hands? Got a curved or small pinky? Learn how to position your fingers and exercise them for greater dexterity to play your violin.

Mim Zweig demonstrates the bow stroke that helps to establish a straight bow and reinforces the martele stroke. We hope you enjoy!

Kim Kashkashian is one of the greatest violists of our time. Learn about Kim and what makes her tick in this in-depth artist profile.

Learn how to tell if your violin is too big or too small for you to play. An incorrectly sized violin can lead to physical and learning issues you don't need.

In this video, we will explain techniques you should use to create an impressive vibrato on the violin. We hope you enjoy.

In this video, we show one of Mimi's exercises that can help improve a student's vibrato. Mimi calls this technique the Teacher Wiggling Finger.

n this video, we will show the best ways to find a good trill. Know the techniques to use with your violin bow to create an impressive trill.

Basic information to help beginning string musicians or music teachers advertise on Facebook written by a young musician getting started himself.

Learn how to tell when your violin strings are worn out and need to be replaced.

In this video, Mimi covers all the different types of forces you should master to improve your violin skills. See examples of what you should not do!

Discover the latest apps revolutionizing music composition in 2024. From notation to collaboration, unleash your creativity like never before!

Mimi covers important techniques you should master to make sure you have the perfect bow stroke. This method of practice is called the Hovercraft Technique

If tunes keep running in your mind, if you enjoy re-arranging music, becoming a music composer might just be your thing. Here are tips to get you started.

Mikyung Sung, Korean classical bassist, is an exemplar of hard work and enormous talent whoinspires so many young, up-and-coming musicians.

Compilation of 17 online resources for learning music and other topics that are suitable for amateur string musicians, music students, and music educators.

In this video, we will cover the correct bow techniques for how your bow should stroke the violin strings.

Don't let distance keep you from collaborating together on your music. Use these different online tools to work together from wherever you are.

Get some ideas on how to keep yourself inspired and practicing your music during the COVID-19 Shut Down. Features #MusicIsMyRefuge, a chance to have your performance shared with 150,000+ people.

Summer music camps are ready and waiting for applications. Many camps are already filling up. See each camp for their policies regarding refunds.

Cleaning information for brass instruments for music educators and musicians to avoid spreading the coronavirus and other germs.

A guide to keeping your violins, violas, cellos, and double basses from being a source of spreading germs during flu season — critical with COVID-19.

Learn how to appropriately clean your instrument strings. It is NOT OK to use sanitizers and disinfection fluids for cleaning strings. Learn the right way.

Substituting for a music teacher is always a challenging experience. Use these tips to create a successful experience for you and your students.

Nail your summer music internship with a great letter with these tips.

Getting a summer musical internship is an important stepping-stone in your music career. Follow these 8 tips to get invaluable work experience.

Insights from some of the world's most celebrated film score composers. Written for string musicians who are thinking of becoming film score composers.

Now is the time to identify summer internship possibilities. Some of the most competitive internship programs are already reviewing applications and conducting interviews, so let's get to it!

For Valentine's Day, we can’t think of a better gift for our string musicians than a list of romantic songs for serenading your love.

Learn how to choose the right case humidifier to control moisture or dryness from damaging your string instrument.

The most successful concerts or performances typically balance two things from the audience: their listening and their active engagement. FInd out our suggestions for sing-alongs.

Improper lifting, carrying, and maneuvering a large upright bass can cause muscular-skeletal strain and lead to devastating injuries that inhibit your career. Find solutions here.

Mimi Zweig covers the harmonics that are commonly missed. Learn her tips to make sure you catch these shifts.

As a music teacher you’re already helping students communicate via their instruments. Now, taking that experience out of the classroom and into the real world via field trips. Check out 6 great ideas here.

Get some helpful tips from Mimi Zweig and master the Up and Down Bow Staccato for yourself!

A violin case is essential to the health, durability, and longevity of your violin. There are things to consider when choosing one. Check them out here.

There are more than 300 different instruments that are considered part of the string family. Find out all you ever wanted to know about string instruments and their history.

Violin music stands out prominently in some of the most memorable film scores. It can mesmerize you, build tension, and bring a tear to your eye. Take a listen.

Although the world of conducting is still male-dominated, more female conductors are breaking through that glass ceiling. Here’s a look at five women who are making history.

Summer music workshops offer benefits for string players of all ages as well as music instructors. Now is the time to sign up. Check out our 2020 list.

You owe it to yourself and your students to spice up your spring performance programs. Check out these ideas!

Now’s the time to begin crafting fun, reasonable, and easy-to-uphold musical resolutions that inspire you. Check out these ideas.

For nearly half a century, Mimi Zweig has been teaching and inspiring young students. She recently met with us to discuss her career, life, and the state of classical music. Read Part 3 of this three-part interview.

Tchaikovsky is the most famous Russian composer of the 19th Century and his "Nutcracker Suite is adored worldwide. Check out these little known facts about both.

Tired of playing the same old Christmas songs year after year? We gathered a list of modern holiday songs perfect for solo strings and quartets.

If you are looking for an expressive way to give back to your community this year, schedule a free concert at your local hospitals or retirement homes. Find out how here.

Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced string bass player, here’s a list of holiday songs you can quickly master and have fun with!

Holiday shopping is done and the presents wrapped. All that’s left to do is relax and enjoy the season. Check out our holiday movie list to enjoy with family and friends.

For nearly half a century, Mimi Zweig has been teaching and inspiring young students. She recently met with us to discuss her career, life, and the state of classical music. Check out Part 2 of a three part interview.

Looking for holiday cello songs you can play live to make your Christmas party more special? Checkout this updated list for 2019

This holiday playlist is guaranteed to delight the children (and adults), while filling the room with the warmth of the season. Take a look.

The big, juicy cherry on top of the holiday-time fruitcake is the abundance of concerts to help you celebrate the season. Check out our curated picks.

For nearly half a century, Mimi Zweig has been teaching and inspiring young students. She recently met with us to discuss her career, life, and the state of classical music.

Temperature and humidity fluctuations can damage your instrument. Make the following products part of your winter toolkit to help keep your string instrument in its top condition.

From training your ears to improving your sight-reading skills, these apps will help you learn to play the violin faster. Explore them now!

In winter, the cold and dry air affect the wood of your violin. It's important to understand how such conditions alter your violin's sound and what to do about it. Learn more here.

Want to keep the holidays fresh by adding to your violin song repertoire? Check out our suggestions for 2019 here.

Are you ready to add more holiday songs to your viola music repertoire? Check out our suggestions that will be appreciated by all listeners.

Want to ditch the typical holiday concert series? Want to inspire your students? Flash mobs might be the perfect option. Check out these ideas.

There may be no definitive method to interpreting a musical composition the "right" way. Join our discussion as we take a historical look at the topic.

The violin is the undisputed leader of the orchestra. Learn about the origins and evolution of this instrument along with facts you may not know.

The holidays are right around the corner, so it’s time to make those gift lists. Check out these eight gift ideas for the string musician in your life.

The holidays are right around the corner, so it’s time to make those gift lists. Check out these eight gift ideas for the string musician in your life.

When Thomas Edison introduced his phonograph to the public in 1877, it changed the lives of music lovers worldwide. Here's some interesting history on how recorded music changed the industry.

What most people probably don’t know is how many different types of violins there are. Subtle variations can exist. We break it down here!

The way some these things are made by hand varies little today from their ancient methods. The same can also be said of luthiers who craft violins. Find out how violins are made.

A closer look at what violins are made of reveals a complex instrument that is truly the sum of its exquisite parts. How exquisite? Find out here.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of the violin's foundational tenets, it’s time to learn more about its terms and symbols on sheet music. Here's a quick start guide.

Bowing technique is as much about the health and well-being of your body as it is about sound. Check out the techniques that will keep your bowing in line.

We've got 13 gifts ideas that will help express gratitude to your music teacher this holiday season. Take a peek at our suggestions.

We know that music nourishes the soul, but it also sharpens the mind. Music is actually good for you and science has proven as much. Learn more here.

Songwriting is a musical superpower that can transform your career. Check out these tips that will help hone your skills.

For those of you who love music, want to work in music, and want to make money doing it, here are eight jobs in the music industry that pay top dollar.

Remember when you were new to songwriting? Well, you’re in the “advanced songwriting realm” now. Learn how to take your skills to the next level.

Large venues almost always require the assistance of wired amplification to project the violin’s sound. Learn here about amps and using them properly.

School is back in session. Exciting? Yes, but it can feel like you're doing the same thing over again. Here are five strategies to excite and challenge.

As a music teacher, your support and wisdom play an essential role in pointing a student to the best music school. Here are ways to guide those gifted pupils.

If you've been a violin student for any length of time, "Guarneri" is a name you've heard. Learn a bit more about this famous family of luthiers.

Known for her eclectic blending of musical styles, find out what inspires violinist Regina Carter in this insightful interview, exclusive to StringOvation.

A music classroom should function in a way that fosters learning, differentiated modalities, and students' practice time. Here are some cool ways to do it.

Finding a roommate at a new school is an awkward endeavor. Learn how to improve your chances of finding and identifying someone you can live with.

Do you know the grandfather of the jazz violin? Learn about Stéphane Grappelli and his prolific career spanning into his late 80’s.

Learning how to handle a bad roommate situation is one of those life lessons best learned early. Here are some helpful tips.

Making a good first impression with your music professor, and other instructors, is an opportunity not to be missed. Their opinions matter. Learn why.

The role of an artistic director is a crucial one. Find out how this integral role is defined, and if it might be the right career for you.

Are you ready for 2020 competitions? They are a unique opportunity to test your mettle and network with music industry insiders. Find out more!

Find out more about Britain's brightest young cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

Employers want to learn as much as they can about who they might hire. Examining your online presence is too rich an opportunity for them to pass up. That means you need to clean up your social media before they see it. Learn more here.

Want to get audiences up on their feet and moving? Expand your violin repertoire to include some contemporary dance numbers to the mix.

What is the role of the conductor? is it more than what you see at a concert? Find out here!

Being a multi-instrumentalist is a benefit in the music world. If you currently play the violin and are interested in branching out into other musical instruments or genres, consider the mandolin. Find out why!

You're a busy music student. But wouldn't you like a little side cash? Read how to find a side hustle that will help you build your professional portfolio and earn money.

Your publicity photos play a critical role in the development of your persona and brand. Read below for the top reasons why every professional musician needs a great publicity photo.

Whether you’ve just graduated from college, or you’re trying to figure out how to select the right combination of collegiate majors and minors, we have suggestions for a variety of careers for cello players.

Join In-Sook Diamond as she teaches you how to properly care for your violin.

When it comes to classical music, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you’re the lone student in your group of friends. Read more to see how we break down some of the many ways to convince your friends classical music is cool!

If you’re pursuing a life as a string musician, you’ll inevitably find yourself in an orchestra or music group with a challenging music director. Here are our best tips for learning how to overcome this difficult challenge.

The Concertmaster plays an integral role in any orchestra that requires exceptional talent and dedication. Read more to discover what it takes to land this ambitious role.

Join In-Sook Diamond as she demonstrates you how to tune your violin.

Ottorino Respighi isn't likely to be on your list of well-known composers. Yet this Italian composer has been described as having an "undeniable brilliance." It's time to get to know Respighi.

Chances are you’ve been to your share of live performances. But have you seen any in the greatest concert halls in the world? Here's our list of top 10 places to visit.

Considering the wealth of music Mozart left us, it’s safe to say there’s something for every season. Here's a list of some of our favorite Mozart compositions for summer listening.

If you aren't leaving music school with a diploma and a job offer, graduation time can seem daunting. Read more to discover what your options are after you graduate.

It's inspiring to play popular songs that you know and love. Here is a list of mostly-contemporary music favorites that are within your reach – even as a beginner.

There are opportunities across the country to hear the music you love! The following list can be your guide to enriching your summer with live music.

In the beginning, you learned the basics of violin bowing. Now that you’ve arrived at the intermediate-advanced level, here's how to step up your game.

Once you’ve purchased a string instrument, you will start to acquire different accessories. Here’s our list of must-have gear for beginners and advanced students alike.

Learn about the different options for selling your musical compositions like a pro.

Join In-Sook Diamond as she instructs on the proper techniques to create perfect straight bow strokes.

Check out our updated list of beginner string bass songs that make you sound awesome!

Regular exposure to loud music can cause hearing loss or conditions that interfere with hearing. Learn how musicians can prevent ear damage.

Teaching adult music students often requires a different approach then teaching children. Be prepared with helpful techniques and tricks you can find here.

You’ve landed a summer internship. Learn how to make the most of this opportunity so it propels you into the next phase of your education and career.

Teaching the hearing impaired how to play an instrument is challenging. But there's no reason to cut people off from the rewards of learning an instrument. Read on!

Whether you are a student or professional, your strings will have to be changed often. The good news is that replacing violin strings is a DIY violin repair that any player can master. Get all the info here!

Don't miss seeing your favorite cello players live, in concert – it can be inspiring and life-changing. Check out our top 10 list for summer 2019 not to be missed concerts.

Bow hairs break, wear out, and become sticky and dirty over time – all of which compromise bowing technique, as well as the quality of your sound. Time to replace the bow hair? Learn how!

Among life’s simple pleasures, summer reading is right up there. We've put together a list of great books for string musicians you're sure to love. Check it out!

Are you really fiddling, or just 'fiddling' around? Check out our list of popular compositions to get you started!

Your new pickup deserves to be shown off! Here are 5 compositions that are perfect for using – and exploring – your new violin pickup.

It takes time and practice to learn how to use a violin pickup. Here are some tips that will help you break in your new pickup the right way!

Summertime is study time for music educators. We've compiled these lesson planning resources to help as you continue developing your music lesson repertoire.

Torn between the Violin or Viola? There are many differences, so get all the information here to help you decide on which one to pursue!

It's summer break, but your child still needs to practice their instrument. Check out our tips for creating a balanced practice schedule during the summer!

Summer’s here and the time is right for some serious downtime. Check out our list of eight streaming titles that will quench the thirst of any string musician.

Does losing a competition actually strengthen a string player? Find out why winning isn't everything.

Learning new techniques can expand your creativity and skills.Here's how the classical violinist can get started fiddling around with folk music!

Think heavy metal and classical music have nothing in common? Read our exclusive interview with Eicca Toppinen, lead cellist of the symphonic metal band Apocalyptic, to find out how they intersect.

We've added new apps of 2019 that make learning the violin fun and provide high impact to your skills. Check out this year's big additions!

Whether private teaching is your primary job or a side gig, keeping your pipeline filled with potential students is always a challenge. Check out these online marketing resources for your private music practice.

Being a member of a string ensemble is a fun, creative, and challenging way to advance your musicianship. Learn how to market your string musical group!

Being a member of a string ensemble is a fun, creative, and challenging way to advance your musicianship. Learn how to market your string musical group!

Private lessons provide customized – and differentiated – instruction for the string player. Find out how you can be on the edge of the learning curve!

Mimi Zweig presents Sadie the Beginner, a film that charts the journey of a five-year-old beginning violin student from the very first lesson through the Bach Minuets.

Traveling with a cello is more involved than traveling with its smaller violin or viola counterparts. Check out our tips for a safe voyage with your cello.

Summer is on its way, and it's time to start thinking about what violin concerts you can catch during a festival-packed 2019 season. Check out our list of hot options!

Summertime is perfect for spending time reading books that will expand and deepen your teaching repertoire and motivation. Check out our summer reading list.

Confused about how to use rosin, which one to pick, or why it's so important for your instrument? Learn all you need to know in our String Musicians Ultimate Guide to Rosin!