Shar Music Blog

We’ve been pouring over all the creative coloring pages we’ve received for weeks, and while our talented customers have made it difficult to narrow down, we are happy to announce the winners of SHAR’s Spring 2018 Coloring Contest! Our contestants ranged…

With the school year ending and the weather getting warmer, music camps are on the horizon! Make the most out of your summer music experience by making sure you have everything you need before you leave. We've compiled a list of must-have essentials that…

Practical Passion: How an Independent Artist Took Charge of His Own Career

“. . . as much as I know what lights me up inside, I also know that the future will look different from what I plan.” With these words, violinist Rebecca Fischer offered us a…

SHAR is excited to announce a new partnership with Associated Chamber Music Players, encouraging everyone to experience the joys of playing chamber music while enjoying special benefits from SHAR. The following blog describes one violinist’s experience…

The performing arts are quite unique. They require both formal knowledge and skilled technique, both converging in pursuit of creation. When it comes to learning to play the violin, some say that only all-in focus on theory and technical training will…

Dear loyal users of the Shirley Givens "Adventures In Violinland" book series,

As many of you may know, our beloved Shirley passed away peacefully on January 10 after a lingering illness, teaching to the very end.

Last month, writing for SHAR’s blog series, “The Lives of Artists . . . In Their Own Words”, Formosa Quartet violinist Jasmine Lin explained that being open to an unclear future is what enabled four individuals to coalesce into one ensemble fifteen years…

About a decade ago, perhaps in a masterclass during my undergrad as a violin performance major, I recall the discussion of what was required to be a violinist in the 21st Century. Something about the very wide range of technique needed to perform today's…

Last month, in the inaugural article for SHAR's blog series, "The Lives of Artists . . . In Their Own Words", New York City concert violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins explained how her career blossomed when she decided to "follow her bliss". Once Kelly…

New York City concert violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins, by any measure, enjoys a fulfilling and rewarding career. From her busy solo touring schedule, to serving as concertmaster for some of Broadway’s biggest shows, to her recording work, including her own…