We’ve always loved the Children’s Music Series here at SHAR, but we recently realized that very few people outside of SHAR know much about the author of this excellent series. We came across this thread on Violinist.com about the author, Evelyn Bedient…
Latest Articles
Do I Need a Shoulder Rest For My Violin?
Friday, October 15, 2021Shoulder rests are a relatively recent, and somewhat controversial, part of a violinist or violist's kit bag. One musician or teacher may tell you that a shoulder rest is an absolute must; another might insist that it's not only unnecessary, but…
The Problem with Cheap Violins
Thursday, October 07, 2021If you are the parent of an aspiring musician, or a beginner yourself, you'll eventually find yourself in the position where you need to purchase a beginner violin. Looking at all the beginner violins for sale online, you may find yourself thinking:…
Is Violin Hard To Learn?: A Conversation with Kiana June Weber
Friday, October 01, 2021Kiana June Weber. Photo by J. Carlos Gonzalez.
What is the Best String Instrument For Me?
Monday, August 30, 2021So, you've decided that you'd like to learn a string instrument. Great choice! Playing a string instrument — be it a bowed instrument like violin or cello or a plucked/strummed one like guitar or ukulele — can be immensely rewarding, whether you have…
Fiddle vs. Violin: What’s the Difference?
Friday, August 13, 2021I’m here today to shed some light on a common question: what’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin?
Are Violin Strings Really Made of Cat Guts?
Friday, July 23, 2021At some point, most kids will have another kid tell them that violin strings (not to mention stitches and tennis rackets) are made of cat intestines, or “catgut”. It’s a classic gross-out, especially effective if the kid on the receiving end is the type…
String Theory: A Progressive Rock Violin Primer
Saturday, July 17, 2021We all know that the violin family of instruments — that is, violin, viola, cello, and double bass — is most closely associated with classical music. It makes sense: one virtually defines the other, after all! Yet bowed string instruments have worked…
"What is the Earliest Bowed String Instrument?" and Other Tricky Questions
Friday, July 09, 2021If you play a string instrument – be it a violin family instrument like what we sell at SHAR Music or an electric guitar, a harp, a European lute, what have you – at some point during your musical practice you’ve surely wondered to yourself: “just where,…