The Magic of Antonio Stradivari
The Magic of Antonio Stradivari. What makes these instruments so famous, highly desired, and special?
LIVS Blog
Julia Perry - Neoclassicist Composer
A native to Lexington, Kentucky, Julia Perry was born to America Lois Heath Perry, a Virginia native and graduate of Morristown college, and Dr. Abraham Murphy Perry, a physician and...
Playing Modern Songs with Classical Instruments
While playing popular music on instruments such as the violin and cello is not a new concept, with artists such as Lindsey Stirling and 2Cellos becoming household names, pop music...
Tuning a Cello with Tuning Pegs
Oh no! Your cello has slipped out of tune and now your open strings sound like something out of a horror movie soundtrack. While this may be a bit scary,...
A Musician's Corpus Callosum
The Link Between Academic Achievement and Playing an Instrument Many years ago, when I was in school, the Honor Roll and the High Honor Roll used to be posted outside...
Pablo Casals Biography: The Legacy of a Master Cellist
Pablos Casals, Catalan birth name Pau Casals i Defilló, was born on December 29th 1876 in Tarragona, Spain. His father was a native of Spain and the organist in a...
How to Choose Violin Strings
Gut, synthetic, aluminum, silver, gold-plated, high-tension, thick, thin, so many options and so many choices. Some players find a brand they like and stick with it, others are constantly searching...
Effective Instrument Practice Tips
Has a piece ever left you frustrated despite working hard to learn it, or you can’t get the melody right even though you’ve put the time in? Don’t worry, your...
Diving into the Music Industry Major
Many people have a passion for music, for performing, for being on stage, but how does one get there? How does one’s music career become so big? There are many...
Setting up For a Musical Summer
The temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer, and Ralph's Italian Ices is open and ready for business. With all the joy that summer brings, it is only natural...
Cello Rock Stops for Everyone
Every musical instrument has an array of accessories to aid in greater ease while playing. Rock stops are a standard accessory for cellists, essential for keeping your cello in one,...
Isaac Stern Biography: The Legacy of a Master
Who is Isaac Stern? Isaac Stern, was born into a musical family on July 21, 1920, in Poland, which is presently Ukraine. When he was 14 months old, his family...
The Parts of a Violin Explained
Understanding the different parts of a violin is essential for both players and enthusiasts. Each component plays a crucial role in producing the instrument's unique sound. This guide will help...
Basic Violin, Viola, and Cello Setup and Care
Proper setup and care are essential for maintaining the sound quality and longevity of your string instrument. Whether you play the violin, viola, or cello, following these guidelines will help...
How to Choose Your First Violin, Viola, or Cello
Choosing your first string instrument can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options available, it's essential to find the right fit for your needs and preferences. This...
Humidity and Your Musical Instrument
The Impact of Humidity on Wooden Instruments Instruments made of wood; violins, pianos, guitars, etc., react to changes in humidity thus significant swings in temperature and humidity levels play havoc...