Ariane TodesNever too old to learnHow much can an adult amateur expect to develop as a musician in a short space of time? Quite a lot, it turns out, given the right...
Ariane TodesBaffling results in BrusselsJury places audience favourite in fifth place at Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in Belgium Music competitions get a lot of bad press...
Ariane TodesBrave new violin worldA new collection of specially commissioned unantiqued instruments offers hope of a new Zeitgeist around modern violins. Will top soloists...
Ariane TodesHappy Birthday, David Byrne!David Byrne turns 63 today, and yet he still has one of the most energetic and interesting careers of any musician anywhere in the world....
Ariane TodesWhy you should stop practisingObserving masterclasses can be a brilliant way to learn and find inspiration, and yet students rarely turn up to watch. They may be too...
Ariane TodesWine and violinsFacebook just kindly reminded me that two years ago today I was in Sarasota, Florida, enjoying the La Musica Festival, and tasting wine –...
Ariane Todes18 ways to support musiciansI have an article in today's Financial Times about music philanthropy, for which I spoke to some of the legion of generous souls who help...
Ariane TodesViolin competitions: participant’s viewViolinist Benjamin Baker has just been selected for the final rounds of the Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition. Such contests are...
Ariane Todes9 ways to succeed in musicToday's classical music business may be competitive and tough, but there are also more opportunities than ever. Success lies in knowing...
Ariane TodesHow to learn jazz violinJazz violinist Regina Carter, interviewed here, offers some advice on exploring the genre Transcribing ‘If it’s not your language you...
Ariane TodesThe future of music competitionsCompetitions are a vital part of the classical music world, whether you like it or not. They offer many benefits to players and to the...
Ariane TodesBach – the teacherAn 1802 biography of Bach offers timeless insights into the art of teaching, as well as revealing the composer's own pedagogical...
Ariane TodesThe Charlie Chaplin guide to violin playingCharlie Chaplin was one of the most expressive and popular communicators ever. What can string players learn from his art? Light and...
Ariane Todes‘When you play Bach you should speak about us all’Anner Bylsma has some advice for players who want to express their own feelings through music While I was at the Amsterdam Cello Biënnale...
Ariane TodesSongs in the key of lifeAn understanding of the characteristics of the different keys can help you develop a palette of sounds. So do you know your innocent C...
Ariane TodesDo instruments have an objective value?Donna Tartt's brilliant novel The Goldfinch contains insights into the antiques business that might apply to the violin business too I’ve...
Ariane TodesWho are the most popular string players in the US?The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has handily published this wonderfully detailed data about the concerts played in the 2014–2015 season...
Ariane TodesWritten by Mrs Bach?A new documentary suggests that Mrs Bach was behind the greatest works by her husband Johann Sebastian. But does it ring true? You know...
Ariane TodesCello master issues manifestoBach’s slurs are are a means of expression and not mere technical tricks and we have lost the art of Rhetoric, says Anner Bylsma...
Ariane TodesMischa Maisky: ‘Bach is turning in his grave’Mischa Maisky challenged the traditional notion of authenticity in his masterclass at the Amsterdam Cello Biënnale If any classical...