Simply for Strings | String Instrument Specialist | Violin Store

BAM Cases – The Market Leader

Simply for Strings Blogger — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:41:57 +0000

When you ask most string musicians which case they use, the resounding response is BAM. Even those that don’t have one seem to either want one of find reason to like them.

BAM continue to lead the market when it comes to innovation, design and most of all, instrument protection. Personally I won’t trust my viola to travel in anything else.

Simply for Strings is one of Australia’s major string retailers and stocks a large range of the BAM cases for violin, viola and cello.

SHOP BAM ONLINE (current prices and availability).

For more information on BAM cases you can visit our website or the BAM Cases website.

by Toby Cumpstay

Find us on Pinterest

Simply for Strings Blogger — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 22:27:29 +0000

You can now follow Simply for Strings on Pinterest. See what we’re into and share you favourite images, too!

Happy Pinning!

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

Ernest V.Llewellyn Memorial Fund – Scholarships

Simply for Strings Blogger — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:03:18 +0000

Ernest V. Llewellyn Scholarships

Annual awards for string players

Following Ernest Llewellyn’s death in 1982 this Fund was established by a group of his friends and colleagues to honour his life and work, and has as its principal objective the advancement of string playing in Australia. Annual awards provide support for young string players wishing to undertake advanced studies, or to attend masterclasses, workshops or seminars such as AYO programs, in Australia and overseas.

The late Ernest Llewellyn CBE had a distinguished musical career as one of Australia’s most notable violinists, as well as a conductor, chamber music performer and teacher. For 16 years he was concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. In 1965 he was appointed Founding Director of the Canberra School of Music, and Musical Director of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, positions he held for 15 years. Ernest Llewellyn was involved in many programs presented by the Australian Youth Orchestra, in particular as tutor, soloist and director at the AYO National Music Camps.

How to apply for a study or travel grant from the Ernest V. Llewellyn Memorial Fund

String players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) aged up to 28 may apply for a grant to support travel and study costs associated with further musical training in Australia and overseas. You do not need to be an applicant or participant in AYO programs to be eligible to apply.

To apply for a Ernest V. Llewellyn Memorial Fund Study & Travel Scholarship please complete the application form and submit it to AYO by Friday 25 November 2011.

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.