Shar Music Blog

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…

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…

Each 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…

Any classical string player who has ever attended an improvisation workshop led by Christian Howes will tell you that it is a life-changing experience. In fact, for most classical-only players, the very thought of attending such a workshop is a radical…

Attention Teachers: Enrich Your Studio With Martha Yasuda’sGorgeous Arrangements of Classic Works and Favorites

When we first saw Martha Yasuda’s music books, several years ago, we were really impressed with their quality. The arranging was top-notch;…

SHAR Music is pleased to announce the visit of concert violinist Rachel Barton Pine, 2:00pm Saturday, November 10^th, at the SHAR retail showroom, 2465 S. Industrial, Ann Arbor. The event is open to the public. Ms. Pine will greet guests starting at…

One of our most popular products for young violinists and violists is the Violin Bow Force. Now, as we introduce the new Cello Bow Force, we asked the inventor, teacher Becky Fields, to explain how she came up with her idea for this unique and effective…