"Violin of the Month" - Violin by Mira Gruszow
This fine instrument is a violin made by Mira Gruszow, a talented maker trained at the Cremona Violin Making School. She currently has a workshop in Berlin but made this instrument while...
LIVS Blog
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) who was a virtuoso violinist, conductor, composer and champion fencer, who is remembered as the first classical composer of African ancestry. He is sometimes referred...
"What We're Listening To" - Beethoven Romance No. 1 in G Major
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is revered as one of the most famous and influential composers of all time and was a key figure in the transition between the Classical and...
Robert Mann: Founder of the Julliard String Quartet Dies at Age 97
Robert Mann, first violinist and founder of the Julliard string quartet, died on New Year’s Day at age 97. He stayed with the chamber group for 51 years and became...
"What We're Listening To:" Edvard Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King."
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was a Norweigan composer and pianist who is considered one of the leading composers of the Romantic era. He is also known for having made the music...
The History of Caroling
Caroling began thousands of years ago in Europe as a pagan tradition. Carols were songs that were sung while dancing around stone circles and they were originally sung during every...
"Violin of the Month" - Jacek Mastal Violin
This month we've decided to feature our Jacek Mastal violin. This violin was finished in 2001 at the William Harris Lee & Company violin shop in Chicago. Aside from being a very...
"What We're Listening To:" Giovanni Bottesini Double Bass Concerto in B Minor
Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889) was an Italian Romantic composer, conductor, and a double bass virtuoso. Bottesini held much acclaim for his mastery – he is often considered the Paganini of the...
As An Adult Beginner, Can I Teach Myself To Play The Violin?
You can try, but we strongly recommend you get a teacher for several reasons. Read more to find out!
Should I Have An Instrument Before I Meet My Teacher?
You do not need an instrument in-hand before meeting your teacher. In most cases, especially for first-time students, your teacher will want to assist in finding the right instrument for...
"Viola of the Month" - Roth Viola
Usually we feature a Violin of the Month, but this month we decided to highlight one of our violas. This viola was made in the Ernst Heinrich Roth violin-making shop in the East...
Winter Is Coming: Tips For Cold Weather Instrument Care
It may be autumn now, but winter will be upon us before long. When some people think of winter, their heads are filled with pleasant thoughts of things like hot chocolate – or...
"What We're Listening To" Aaron Copland's "Hoe Down" From Rodeo
Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was an American composer, teacher, writer, and later conductor of his own and other American music. Copland has been referred to as “the Dean of American Composers,” because...
"Sawing Away!"
When we think of bowed instruments we often only think of the obvious ones, the violin, viola, cello and bass. I believe it’s time to shine some light upon one...
"What We're Listening To:" Hector Berlioz, "Symphonie Fantastique"- Mvt. 5 "Dream of a Witches' Sabbath"
Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) was a Frenchcomposer of the Romantic era. He wrote many of his most popular works during 1830 and 1847. He was most famous for his compositions Symphonie fantastique and Grande...
"Violin of the Month" - Violin by David Polstein
Our violin of the month is by maker David Polstein who is a contemporary and personal friend of LIVS Director, Charles Rufino. This instrument is an elegant copy of an early del...