Brush Up Your Bow Hold Special Focus: ADULT AMATEUR PLAYERS Be Brave! Write Your Own Songs LEONARD BERNSTEIN: Celebrating the String Works Enter JOSHUA BELL’s ‘Fantasy’ World ELENA URIOSTE Finds her Violin Soul Mate August 2018 No. 280 StringsMagazine.com Ascenté violin strings elevate the sophistication of my students’ tone. -Dr. Charles Laux, Alpharetta, GA D’Addario Ascenté is the first synthetic core string designed to elevate your craft. It’s the only string that combines the sophisticated tone, unbeatable pitch stability, and superior durability required by the progressing player. The next-level string for the next-level violinist. I started my musical journey twelve years ago, continuing to love what I do. I am extremely elated that snow violin has fulfilled my life with its intensity, power and beauty. Yaas Azmoudeh www.snowviolin.com 1-800-645-0703
[email protected] 16 SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURES Adult Amateur Players 16 Leonard Bernstein at 100 36 Celebrating the legendary A New World composer-conductor’s string works On the benefits and unbridled loyalty to the music of starting cello By Thomas May lessons at age 63 By Judy Pollard Smith 23 Journey to the Highlands 38 Joshua Bell’s new recording with Lifelong Wish the Academy of St Martin in the It’s never too late to pick up Fields pairs Bruch’s Violin Concerto an instrument—here are No. 1 with ‘Scottish Fantasy’ 5 tips for adult beginners By Inge Kjemtrup By Miranda Wilson 28 41 Prized Possessions Better Together String players and makers Encouragement and advice on their most sentimental for advancing amateur string-related items orchestral musicians Compiled by Stephanie Powell By Emily Wright & Megan Westberg 44 How to Start an Adult Chamber-Music Ensemble AUGUST These tips can help ensure 2018 a successful experience VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 1, ISSUE 280 By Greg Cahill COVER: ELENA URIOSTE BERNSTEIN—WILLIAM P.