Know Your Composer
In the vast landscape of 19th-century German music, two towering figures emerge, each commanding attention and adulation in their own right: Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner. Their names evoke distinct musical worlds, yet their paths intersected in a clash of artistic philosophies and egos, creating one of the most compelling
Music of India
Hindustani classical music, with its intricate melodies and emotive expressions, has been shaped over centuries by the diverse cultural and regional influences of the Indian subcontinent. At the heart of this musical tradition lies the concept of gharana, or musical lineage, which serves as a repository of knowledge, technique, and
Interviews
Meet Efrén Ruiz, a vibrant 29-year-old Venezuelan cellist, composer, and social media content creator who seamlessly intertwines music and values education across generations. With a rich background spanning two decades of training, including experiences with renowned programs like “El Sistema” and “UCLA: Barquisimeto,” Efrén collaborates with luminaries such as Sir
The Unsung Hero: Importance of the Bass Guitar Looking at the musical canvas, which captivates listeners worldwide, makes one wonder about the role of the bass guitar in performance. This instrument, which is often under appreciated and greatly misunderstood, forms the foundation of rhythm and melody in many different genres.
Are you fascinated by the shimmery and full sound of a 12-string guitar? Don’t let those extra strings hold you back! Tuning might initially seem complicated, but it’s surprisingly similar to tuning a regular 6-string guitar, with just a few key differences. Whether you’re a seasoned musician
Know Your Composer
George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was premiered one hundred years ago, on the snowy afternoon of February 12, 1924, at Aeolian Hall on Manhattan’s West 43rd Street. The 25-year-old composer was at the piano, joined by the dance band of Paul Whiteman, the noted bandleader who commissioned the
Music of India
Derived from the Sanskrit word “alankara,” meaning ornament or decoration, alankar represents a fundamental aspect of Indian classical music. It encompasses any pattern of musical decoration created by musicians within or across tones, serving to enhance the beauty and expressiveness of a composition. From fluid meends to rapid murkis, alankar
News
Country music aficionado and veteran DJ Bob Harris, bhangra stars Punjabi Hit Squad and classical organist Anna Lapwood will guest as ABRSM launches a new podcast series, Start Here. The ten-part series, hosted by ABRSM Artistic Director Alexis Ffrench, will focus on different music styles each week, inspiring new listeners
Features
The June of 1978 marked a rare occurrence. The American rock legend Bruce Springsteen had a reputation for being reluctant to perform outdoors. But when he was told, “Red Rocks is simply indoors without a roof ”, a curious Springsteen was compelled to come around. His debut at the Red Rocks
Music Education
Maria Caniglia was born in Naples on 5th May 1905. It was considered a blessing when Agostino Roche accepted her as his student, since he was responsible for the stellar technique of Ebe Stignani, one of the great mezzo sopranos of the 20th century. Stignani was older than Caniglia by
Music of India
Mohiniyattam, a captivating classical dance form, finds its origins deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. At the heart of its narrative lies the story of Mohini, the mesmerizing female avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu cosmology. According to ancient texts and legends, Mohini emerges during a celestial battle between
Features
Suzuki is a household name worldwide for any western music student or teacher. As someone invested in music education, the life of Shinichi Suzuki is endlessly fascinating to me. So I found ‘Suzuki: The Man and his Dream to Teach the Children of the World’ (2022) by Eri Hotta a