Simply for Strings Violin Store » News

Need Help Over the Holidays?

Simply for Strings Blogger — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:34:30 +0000

VIOLIN TECHNICAL WORK BOOTCAMP IS HERE!

Violin teachers and students; here is an opportunity for all violinists to practise and improve your technical work weekly at your favorite violin shop, Simply for Strings, under the guidance of experienced performer and teacher Ben Greaves (from Collusion & Musica Viva In Schools).

5 classes held over 5 weeks: only $100.00
Individual classes $25 each
Teachers of attending students: FREE

Please gain permission from your teacher before enrolling and let your teacher know they are most welcome to observe for FREE.

REGISTER NOW!

Click here to register for this amazing opportunity or download the registration form. Numbers are limited, so register today.

WANT MORE INFO?

Click here to download our flyer. Great to put up in the classroom, studio or distribute to parents.

Preliminary and Grade 1 sessions.
Mondays: Dec 12, 19, Jan 2, 9, 16. 8-9am.
Classes will explore all requirements of the Preliminary and grade 1 technical syllabuses with students. Revision or extension will feature in these classes.

Grade 2 and Grade 3 sessions.
Tuesdays: Dec 13, 20, Jan 3, 10, 17. 8-9am.
Classes will explore all requirements of grade 2 and 3 technical syllabuses with students. Revision or extension will feature in these classes.

Grade 4 and Grade 5 sessions.
Wednesdays 8am-9am; Dec 14, 21, Jan 4, 11, 18.
Classes will explore all requirements of the grade 4 and 5 technical syllabuses with students. Revision or extension will feature in these classes.

Grade 6 and Grade 7 sessions
Thursdays 8am – 9am Dec 15, 22, Jan 5, 12, 19.
Classes will explore all requirements of the grade 6 and 7 technical syllabuses with students. Revision or extension will feature in these classes.

Grade 8 sessions
Fridays 8am – 9am Dec 16, 23, Jan 6, 13, 20.
Classes will explore all requirements of the grade 8 technical syllabus with students. AMUSA, LMUSA, and Tertiary students are most welcome to attend to revise their technical skills.

TERTIARY/TEACHER sessions
Saturdays 8am-9am; Dec 17, 24, Jan 7, 14, 21.
Classes will explore advanced technical exercises, scales and double stops in all keys up to 4 octaves. Scales in one position will also feature.

Please gain permission from your teacher before enrolling and let your teacher know they are most welcome to observe.

WHY? The idea behind Benjamin facilitating the Violin Bootcamp is to not attract students to his own studio, but to support Brisbane teachers in their quest to produce well rounded violinists with good technical ability, allowing them to have more fun, play challenging repertoire and to be able to achieve their desired exam results without the last minute stress of learning technical work. After all, if students have to learn such work, it may as well be done in good time and made beneficial for the ease of learning repertoire.

Benjamin’s students have been accepted to tertiary institutions majoring in Violin. They have been selected for National Music Camps, National Young Symphonists, Queensland Youth Orchestras, and have been awarded AMEB diplomas.

He has taught at major private schools within Brisbane. He is a performer for Collusion, Musica Viva, has been a casual for the Qld Symphony Orchestra, Camerata of St John’s and has freelanced at many Chamber Music festivals throughout Qld and NSW. In 2012 he will be a resident musician with Collusion at the Brisbane Powerhouse Restrung Festival and at Ipswich Girls Grammar School with the Lapraik Ensemble.

He is also a presenter for Musica Viva In Schools, performing for primary aged students through-out Qld. He will tour to the ACT, Tasmania and central Qld in 2012. Benjamin is also available for technical work consultation lessons throughout the Christmas holidays with permission from students regular violin teachers.

For more information regarding this innovative and rewarding program please call Ben on 0404 646 709. To enroll now fill out the attached enrollment form (due by post Dec 9). For easy online registration go to www.stringsathand.com.au

Benjamin Greaves is a holder of a Blue Card, registered for teaching children in Queensland.

Audition Notices

Simply for Strings Blogger — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:14:03 +0000

Australian Chamber Orchestra

-Assistant Principal Violin

See http://www.aco.com.au/Default.aspx?url=/joining-the-aco for more information

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

-Concert Master
-Co-Principal Cellist
-Tutti 1^st Violin
-Assistant Principal Viola
-Tutti Viola

See http://www.sydneysymphony.com/about_us/jobs/orchestral_jobs/ for more information

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

-Associate Principal Viola
-Tutti Viola

Position is only open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
Auditions to be held on Wednesday 1 February and Thursday 2 February 2012. Applicants are required to be available for the whole of both dates. An accompanist will be provided on both days if required.

See http://qso.com.au/employment for more information

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

-Section Viola

Audition dates:
Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 April 2011
Candidates must be available for both whole days

See http://www.mso.com.au for more information

Simply for Strings Launches Specialised Back to School Online Store

Simply for Strings Blogger — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:22:23 +0000

Making Back to School Simple

To our teachers…

Simply for Strings is offering a new back to school service for you and your busy string parents. Previously we have supplied schools with a customised back to school order form which have been very successful and efficient. This year we are offering the same customised ordering forms as well as a NEW and convenient online option.

backtoschool.simplyforstrings.com.au is a dedicated online store where parents can select their school, their child’s instrument and shop for the personalised products they need – selected by you. All orders will be delivered the chosen school, child’s name clearly marked and ready for Term 1, 2012.

Log on now and customise this service for your school string program. Simply fill in this online form with your particulars and we’ll do the rest: simplyforstrings.com.au/myschool

Why use this service?

The online shopping revolution is well and truly upon us and what better way to make sure your students are ready to go with everything they need and nothing they don’t.
Parents will love the ease and convenience of this service and you won’t be chasing students for the right books all year.
Order are sent freight free.
All student’s will receive a complimentary Simply for Strings music tote bag as part of our back to school service.
Simplifying your string program.

Wittner FineTune Pegs Make Their Mark

Simply for Strings Blogger — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:57:15 +0000

Stradivari violin gets pegged with new technology.

You may have seen or heard of the Academy-award winning film, The Red Violin. It is said to have been inspired by the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius of 1720.

This very instrument set a world record price at Christie’s of London in 1990. It was quietly gifted to the 16 year old American concert violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn by her grandfather. Today, Ms. Pitcairn performs in partnership with the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius in the finest concert halls of the world.

Even on the finest instruments, artists such as Ms. Pitcairn have historically struggled with pegs that slip or stick during crucial moments in performance. Pegs that are difficult to turn can also exacerbate the wrist and arm strain that eventually plagues many professional musicians. Orchestra musicians are under pressure to get their instruments in tune for both concerts and rehearsals in the short amount of time allotted

With these concerns in mind, Ms. Pitcairn eventually spoke to the master luthier who cares for her instrument. He recommended the Wittner Finetune-Pegs. Here is what she had to say about her experience.
-
November 1, 2010

Dear Mr. Wittner,

I am delighted by the opportunity to express to you and your company how incredibly pleased I am with your product.

Robert Cauer of Los Angeles, a longtime caretaker of my instrument, has installed them so far on my three violins – the 1720 Stradivarius, the Pressenda and the violin which I practice on during vacations in extreme humidity in places like the Caribbean and dry climates such as the mountains of Colorado.

This has solved my problems with pegs sticking and slipping which plagued me!
I also feel that your pegs are saving my arm from strain and the onset of physical problems caused by wrestling with sticking or slipping pegs.
It is so delightfully easy to tune my violin onstage before performing a major concerto with orchestra.
I am a huge fan and am spreading the word about this wonderful product wherever I go just because I like them so much.

Thank you for making them.

Very best,
Elizabeth

More about the pegs…

The Wittner Fine Tune pegs retain the traditional hardwood appearance demanded by professional musicians while offering a unique internal gearing system that makes them a revelation to use.

When fitted into the peg box, the shaft remains locked and stationary while the only parts that move are the button and the geared middle section of the shaft. Fine Tune pegs have an internal gear ratio of 8.5:1 for very precise tuning. The gear mechanism is also self-inhibiting, meaning that it cannot slip back once it is turned.

The taper on the violin pegs is 1:30 so that they will fit into the peg box as any traditional peg would.

As the peg shaft on the Fine Tune pegs doesn’t move once fitted, there is no wear on the peg box that is found using traditional pegs. There is also no risk of a split peg box because no inward pressure is exerted on the peg box during the tuning of the instrument.

New International Series Puts Spotlight on Brisbane

Simply for Strings Blogger — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:41:47 +0000

QPAC to host the Hamburg Ballet, Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Hamburg State Opera in 2012

A new partnership between the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Events Queensland to deliver the QPAC International Series is set to draw national and international attention to Brisbane over the next four years.

“The QPAC International Series begins in August 2012 with a unique series of performances by all three of Hamburg’s great companies – the Hamburg Ballet, Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Hamburg State Opera,” Ms Bligh said today.

“This will be the first time any of these companies have ever performed in Australia and they are making their debut right here in Brisbane – and Brisbane only – which is a real coup.

“In 2013, the series will also see an exclusive Brisbane presentation by one of the most sought after ballet companies in the world, Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet.”

“This legendary company, which epitomises the centuries-old traditions of Russian Ballet, has not performed in Brisbane since 1987.”

Premier Bligh said the calibre of companies, performers and repertoire in QPAC’s International Series is such they will be must-see events on the national performing arts calendar that will attract audiences from around Australia and internationally.

In 2012, the Hamburg Philharmonic will be led by internationally renowned Australian conductor Simone Young.

Ms Young will conduct the performance of Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 2, known as the Resurrection Symphony which will feature soloists from the Hamburg State Opera.

Ms Young will also conduct the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Hamburg State Opera in two concert performances of Das Rheingold, the opening opera in Richard Wagner’s greatest work, The Ring Cycle. In 2000 in Vienna, Ms Young made musical history when she became the first woman ever to conduct the complete Ring Cycle.

“Having one of the world’s leading conductors perform Das Rheingold before its performed anywhere else in Australia in 2012 really makes a statement about Brisbane’s growing status as an arts and cultural hub,” Ms Bligh said.

“Led by the celebrated choreographer John Neumeier, the world-famous Hamburg Ballet company will premiere two works, Nijinsky and A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The orchestra for the performances of Midsummer Night’s Dream will be the Queensland Symphony orchestra under the direction of young Brisbane-born conductor Simon Hewett who is Hamburg Ballet’s resident conductor and is shaping an international career in both ballet and opera.”

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the QPAC International Series would build on the Centre’s recent successes and would continue the relationship with arts impresarios Leo Schofield AM and Ian McRae AO.

“QPAC has grown its international standing as a performing arts centre and that has been underpinned by our programs, growing commercial reputation and technical expertise,” Mr Kotzas said.

Mr Kotzas said the 2012 presentation of the Hamburg’s state performance companies was timely as the Brisbane performances take place on the eve of the 200th anniversary of Wagner’s birth (1813).

“It will be a fitting prelude of the celebrations in 2013 that will see full scale Ring Cycles presented all over the world. It will be particularly special to have Simone Young, the first woman to ever conduct aRing Cycle, to conduct this work in her home country,” he said.

Mr Kotzas said that the QPAC International Series would not only bring performances from the world’s best performing artists to Brisbane, but also generate a curated program of classes, talks and related activities.

Events Queensland CEO John O’Sullivan said the series was the latest addition to Queensland’s dynamic and growing calendar of events.

“The Cultural Centre at South Bank is the heart of the city and great things are happening to entice visitors to Queensland,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “This series, and the strong partnership with QPAC, comes in addition to the recent successes of the Paris Opera Ballet and Ballet Nacional de Cuba.

“And through a partnership with the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) we’ve also delivered other exciting exclusives delivered for Brisbane like Valentino, Surrealism and the upcoming Prado and Matisse exhibitions.”

Further additions to the QPAC International Series will be announced in due course.

The national exclusive Hamburg presentation will run at QPAC from 23 August to 5 September 2012. Please go to www.qpac.com.au to join the waitlist. Tickets go on sale in 2012.

To find out more about great events coming up on the Queensland calendar visit www.eventsqld.com.au

The Piatigorsky International Cello Festival

Simply for Strings Blogger — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:27:55 +0000

Here at Simply for Strings we’re getting a little bit excited about all the great things happening in the International string world. Earlier this week, the details of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival were released and boy, does it look a treat! With a great line-up with the likes of Frans Helmerson, Steven Isserlis, Ronald Leonard, Miklós Perényi, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Jian Wang and Alisa Weilerstein together with six of Piatigorsky’s outstanding former students: Laurence Lesser, Mischa Maisky, Jeffrey Solow, Nathaniel Rosen, Raphael Wallfisch and Terry King; we’re feeling just about ready to book flights to Los Angeles!

The Festival will fill 9 days of indepth masterclasses and recitals, eventuating to a performance by the L.A. Philharmonic and Weilerstein performing Tchaikovsky and Respighi.

Visit The Piatigorsky Cello Festival website for more details

Charlie Siem: A Stylish Rendition (via NOWNESS)

Simply for Strings Blogger — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:53:34 +0000

We’ve all been following the recently debuted violinist Charlie Siem since hearing his sensational new album. Now he seems to be popping up in some of the most stylish niches of the web, too. Charlie has recently played in the Apple store in Covent Garden and Royal Albert Hall. The below video is just one such stylish appearance that floated our way. Enjoy.

Charlie Siem: A Stylish Rendition on Nowness.com.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Launches Educational App.

Simply for Strings Blogger — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:08:24 +0000

MSOLearn is a new interactive education app released by The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, designed by Outware Mobile. Download it to your iPhone or iPad and learn more about one of Australia’s best orchestra’s. We dig smart use of technology and education coming together here at Simply for Strings and this one’s a beauty! And it’s an Aussie!

From Outware –>

“MSO Learn for iPhone and iPad is designed to teach children and adults alike about the inner workings of the MSO and its musicians.

Launched to coincide with MSO’s inaugural Education Week (14 – 18 June 2011), MSO Learn for iPhone and iPad is the first App of its kind to offer the user an advanced interactive audio-visual exploration of an orchestra, featuring the different instrumental families, individual instruments and the musicians who play them.

The App allows users to delve further again to learn and listen to each instrument and meet a member of each section from the MSO.

MSO musicians, including Concertmaster Wilma Smith, are profiled in the App, answering questions ranging from their choice of instrument to which sporting team they support.

They are joined by the MSO’s Patricia Riordan Associate Conductor, Benjamin Northey, who was conducting the MSO when the featured music – Percy Grainger’s Shepherd’s Hey.” – Outware.com.au

On the couch with Australian Violinist, Ray Chen

Simply for Strings Blogger — Tue, 31 May 2011 04:41:30 +0000

Winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition (2009) & the Yehudi Menuhin Competition (2008), Ray Chen is among the most compelling young violinists today. His recent performances, including debut recitals at the Kennedy Center in Washington D. C. & the Merkin Hall in New York, have enraptured both the audiences and the critics. Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Ray Chen was accepted to the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of 15, where he studied with Aaron Rosand.
Mr. Chen plays the 1721 “Macmillan” Stradivarius provided as part of the award for winning the 2008-09 Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York.

This month, Toby Cumpstay (Simply for Strings) sat down with Ray Chen to ask a few questions about his musical journey so far, as final preparations were underway for his up-coming world tour.

You started playing the violin at the age of 4, why violin?
When I was 3 years old I had a little guitar amongst my toys. One day after seeing the image of a violinist somewhere, I decided to put it underneath my chin and together with a chopstick pretended to play “the violin”! My parents then thought it would be a great idea to give me a violin for my 4th birthday!

“It was definitely a proud Australian moment when I performed Brahms’ Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House earlier this year” – Ray Chen

Numerous prominent Australian violinists began their musical life through the Suzuki method. How do you think this has influenced your training and approach to music making?
The Suzuki Method is a great way to get kids involved in the music. I was also extremely blessed to have a wonderful teacher whose entire family made my early musical education so enjoyable. I always looked forward to the group lessons we had every week. My goal was to try and perform a new piece in front of my peers! I guess one could say I was a bit of a show off… but that’s definitely where my passion to perform stemmed from.

At age 15 you were accepted to the Curtis Institute and began studying under Aaron Rosand, are you currently still studying with Aaron Rosand? And what has Aaron helped you with the most in your playing and performing?
The Curtis Institute provided me with great support throughout my college education. It was also the reason why I moved to the United States. It is such a unique place and one learns almost as much from their fellow colleagues as they do from the esteemed faculty. Mr Rosand was not only my teacher in violin studies, but also a friend, and a mentor. I graduated from Curtis in May of 2010 but still keep in close contact with my former teacher.

What challenges do you face as a professional string musician in 2011?
I’ve always been one to see a challenge as a source of inspiration. The 21st century musician has many obstacles to face but also has many tools at his disposal. Social media sites such as Youtube, Twitter and Facebook are a powerful way to build a fan base. A personal website also helps too! My website (www.raychenviolin.com) uses all of the above to provide a closer and more personal connection between my fans and I.

Where has been the most inspiring place you’ve ever performed?
Each city that I’ve been to has provided me with a wonderful experience. I do have to say though, that it was definitely a proud Australian moment when I performed Brahms Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House earlier this year.

Favourite travel destination…?
I go where good food takes me! Haha but seriously, I love to go to each city and eat at the best local places! I also like to blog about each place that I’ve been to so that my fans can get to know me a little better! To name a few of my favorites; Paris, Shanghai, Melbourne, Brussels, Berlin, and New York!

What are currently listening to (classical or not)?
I actually don’t listen to classical music when I’m not “working” not because I don’t love it but I feel that it’s important to have a sense of balance in life and music. I’m currently in an electronic music stage of my life right now; Daft Punk, Deadmau5, DJ Schan – these are a few of my favorites.

What do you do to relax, away from the violin?
With such a hectic schedule it can be fun but also stressful. To overcome that I like work out at the gym (plus that way I can eat more!) and also I enjoy having a few drinks with my buddies.

If you could invite anyone to a dinner party (dead or alive) who would you invite?
I would love to have; Beethoven (but with hearing still intact so there can be conversation without shouting), Jascha Heifetz (because he’s such a badass on the violin), Robert Downey Jr (because he’s just simply a badass), George Clooney (so he can teach me his charm), Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley, and Gwyneth Paltrow – all of whom I think are the most gorgeous women in the world.

Which strings do you prefer for your violin and why?
I use strings by Thomastik which I think have a fantastic selection to choose from. Over the years I’ve come to create a custom set that I think sounds best on any violin. For the G string I use the Peter Infeld “pi” Medium gauge, D string is a silver Dominant Light gauge, A string is an aluminum Dominant Medium gauge, and the E string is a Vision Heavy gauge.

Can you tell us a bit about your violin?
The current violin I am using now is the 1721 Macmillan Stradivarius which is on loan to me through Young Concert Artists. It is a wonderful instrument that has the typical brilliant “strad sound” that has a very fine quality about it’s tone. It’ll be a sad day when I have to give it back!

As a contemporary classical musician who grew up in Australia, how do you see the future of classical music within Australia?
I think that classical music is steadily growing in Australia – a relatively new nation compared to the rest of the world (and especially the composers that wrote classical music!). Every year when I go back, I am very happy to hear the level of music making become higher. I’m sure that in a few years Australia will be in a prominent place on the classical world stage!

Who or What inspires you?
The people that inspire me as a musician are; my managers at CAMI, Jascha Heifetz, David Oistrakh, Maxim Vengerov, and Eddie Van Halen. The people that inspire me as a person are; my family and my friends.

Practice can be a very personal thing for musicians, how do you approach practice?
Work now, then play later. It’s worth it.

For the young string musicians reading, what advice would you give them as they embark on their musical journey?
Don’t give up. Don’t be afraid, but definitely DO go out there and have the time of your life.

New Baroque Rosin from Melos

Simply for Strings Blogger — Tue, 03 May 2011 23:54:18 +0000

Melos has released its new range of baroque rosins for the discerning period-style string player. The baroque rosins have been expertly crafted to work with gut strings and give a ‘true’ sound. There are 3 different grades available for violin, viola and cello which are also reccomended for use with treble, tenor and bass viol. These are available to order in our online store now.

Melos Baroque Cello Rosin

Melos Baroque Viola Rosin

Melos Baroque Violin Rosin