Nathan Cole - violin
There is method to the mastery
Have you ever walked a tightrope? How about a balance beam? I tried one recently, and I'm pretty sure it was easier when I was a kid. When you watch circus performers, or champion gymnasts, though, …
Continue Reading about Fix violin intonation by walking the tightrope →
The first time I picked up Nathan Milstein’s violin, three years ago, all I could think about was my shoulder rest. I had been toying for the past few days with the idea of giving it up for good, and …
Continue Reading about Speed-dating a Strad: one week with Milstein’s ex →
Before my first rehearsal as a member of the Chicago Symphony, I asked my grandfather how I’d know the exact moment to come in after Barenboim’s downbeat. “Ha! You’ll know.” I had hoped for …
Continue Reading about Robert Cole (1923-2016): flutist, teacher, Grandpa →
Editor's note: The original version of this post was missing several concertos, each of which was pointed out by my faithful readers. I have now added the most requested, including one that was …
Continue Reading about Which violin concerto has the toughest opening? →
We had a great run, didn’t we? We finished all ten Suzuki books, learned the Tchaikovsky concerto, went to Curtis, won some prizes and a few auditions… I’ve been with you longer than I’ve been with my …
Continue Reading about Why I ditched my shoulder rest after 30 years →
