Category Archives: Uncategorized

Recently, before a recital in Washington DC, I was able to try Fritz Kreisler’s Guarneri del Gesu. He played on this violin for 26 years and supposedly, he had to turn in this violin to the Library of Congress to … Continue reading →

Now that I am playing on the ‘Vieuxtemps’ Guarneri Del Gesu, I have been experimenting with all kinds of different strings. (Yes, it’s a total dork post) I used to religiously play on Dominants, then switched to Titanium Visions and then … Continue reading →

Late in the summer last year, I had the opportunity to try a violin that had been stored under a very discriminating bed for 50 years.  My mind was racing and I was so excited at the chance-it’s like being … Continue reading →

When I was practicing the other day, I was thinking how every note matters in every composition I have ever played or studied. No matter how short, long, loud, soft, dotted etc. each note is a totally necessary soldier-working together … Continue reading →

This month, I am intensely working on Mason Bates’ new violin concerto. The world premiere is set to happen this December with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Leonard Slatkin will conduct. I got sections of the first movement in July and … Continue reading →

It seemed like a very natural thing to do-to share what I love using everyday of my life. I own several Gold Arcus violin bows and have always been super impressed with the speed with which one can play spiccato … Continue reading →

Recently, the Violin Channel asked me to try and answer this question from James Dong of Sydney, Australia. ‘Help! How can I get better amplitude on my 4th finger vibrato?’ Hi James, 4th finger vibrato is a tough one. It’s … Continue reading →

Today, one of the greatest musicians passed away, Mr.Marvin Hamlisch. We were supposed to work together in about one month’s time in Pasadena, for the Pasadena Orchestra/Pops gala concert. The piano scores to ‘Autumn in New York’ and ‘Tenderly/Autumn Leaves’ … Continue reading →

I am so excited to give one of my gold Arcus violin bows away.  I have owned many different violin bows throughout my life, and now play using Tourte and Gold Arcus carbon fiber bows. It is extremely light and … Continue reading →

A couple of weeks ago, I adjudicated a competition at the Music Academy of the West, in Santa Barbara. Watching and listening to the contestants, I remembered what it was like to compete when I was 11 and 12 years … Continue reading →