Shar Music Blog

Shoulder 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…

Kiana June Weber. Photo by J. Carlos Gonzalez.

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…

I’m here today to shed some light on a common question: what’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin?

At 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…

We 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…

If 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,…

Hello, 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…