So, 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…
Latest Articles
Mutes: What Difference Do They Make?
Friday, June 11, 2021Hello, Internet! Today, we’ll attempt to demystify the mutes used for violin, viola, cello, and double bass. These simple tools of the trade are essential string instrument accessories, and they're easy enough to use, but they also come with many…
SHAR 2019 Photo Contest Winners!
Tuesday, July 30, 2019Each year, we are impressed by the photos our customer send in for our Photo Contests. This year, you've all outdone yourselves! We received so many impressive shots, and it took some time to sift through them all, but after much deliberation, we've…
The Total Violinist
Friday, August 03, 2018Most of us violinists (as well as violists, cellists and bassists) are our most comfortable in an orchestra setting. Of course, the music is fantastic, and usually very challenging to learn and play. But learn and play we do, after woodshedding our parts…
SHAR Spring 2018 Photo Contest Results
Monday, July 09, 2018After weeks of deliberation over your photo contest entries, we have selected winner for this year’s Spring 2018 Photo Contest! We had huge number of submissions this year, which made our job even harder. Of all the wonderful photos we received, we…
Seven Mistakes String Players Make When Changing Strings
Friday, January 19, 2018It's a scenario every beginner or intermediate string player finds themselves in at some point: either a string broke, the metal winding is unraveling, or they've simply decided better strings will make them finally sound like Anne-Sophie Mutter. I can…
String Teachers: Business as Usual . . . or a Breakthrough Year?
Wednesday, October 18, 2017It’s time for a new school year, an opportunity for a fresh start in your studio. A new crop of students is arriving, and many of your students are returning. And each student is different, with different strengths and weaknesses, different commitment…
Easy Gift Ideas for the String Teacher or Professional! (Part 3)
Wednesday, December 14, 2016Do you want to have a gift ready for your string teacher at your first lesson after or before Christmas? Maybe you know a string player who gigs and teaches, and you want to get them something practical that they will truly enjoy, but aren't sure exactly…
Easy Gift Ideas for an Advancing String Player! (Part 2)
Tuesday, December 13, 2016Some people are difficult to shop for, and some are near impossible. If you're lucky, the person has an interest or a hobby that you'd love to support by gifting them something related. The only problem is that you might not be sure what that something…