Resources
Using a tuner while practicing helps string players develop accurate intonation, which is one of the most important - and most challenging - skills on a string instrument. Because violins, violas, cellos, and basses don’t have frets or keys to guide pitch, it’s easy to play slightly sharp or flat without realizing it. A tuner gives instant feedback, helping students train their ears and muscles to find the correct pitch consistently. Over time, this builds better listening skills, muscle memory, and confidence - making ensemble playing and solo performance much more successful.
Using a metronome while practicing helps string players develop a strong, steady sense of rhythm - one of the most essential skills in music. It trains your internal pulse so you can play in time, stay together with an ensemble, and handle tricky rhythms with confidence. A metronome also helps you slow down difficult passages and gradually speed them up as you improve, making your practice more focused and effective. Whether you're working on scales, etudes, or concert music, the metronome is like a personal coach that keeps you honest and on track.
Practice Trackers
Practice apps like Modacity and Instrumentive are powerful tools that help student musicians practice more effectively and stay motivated. These apps go beyond just tracking time - they encourage goal-setting, reflection, and consistency, which are key to long-term musical growth. By organizing practice sessions, offering reminders, and showing progress over time, they help students build strong habits and take ownership of their development. Whether you're preparing for a concert, audition, or just trying to improve a tricky passage, these tools make practice more focused, efficient, and rewarding. Both apps are available for mobile devices and have free a upgraded versions.
TonedEar is a free, interactive website that helps train your musical ear through fun and challenging listening games. You can practice identifying intervals, chords, scales, and melodies—all essential skills for becoming a stronger, more confident musician. Whether you're just starting out or preparing for auditions, TonedEar helps sharpen your listening and pitch recognition in a way that feels more like a game than a test. It’s a great way to build your ear training skills anytime, anywhere.
MusicTheory.net is a free, interactive website that helps students build a strong foundation in music theory. It offers clear lessons, fun exercises, and customizable drills on topics like note reading, rhythm, intervals, and key signatures. Whether you're just starting out or preparing for an audition or theory test, this site makes learning music theory simple and stress-free. It’s perfect for reviewing concepts at your own pace and strengthening the skills that support your playing.
The Bulletproof Musician
Looking to level up your performance mindset? The Bulletproof Musician is a podcast that helps musicians like you overcome nerves, build confidence, and perform at your best—on stage and in rehearsal. Hosted by Dr. Noa Kageyama, a performance psychologist and Juilliard-trained violinist, each episode breaks down real strategies used by top performers to stay focused and resilient. Whether you're prepping for a concert, audition, or solo festival, this podcast gives you tools to handle pressure like a pro. It’s like mental training for musicians—and it’s totally worth a listen.
Strings Magazine on
This playlist is a goldmine for string students looking to grow as musicians. It features performances by world-class violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists, along with practical tips, warm-up routines, and technique tutorials. You’ll find beginner-friendly lessons (like how to tune your instrument), inspiring solo performances, and behind-the-scenes insights from real students and professionals. Whether you're looking to improve your bowing, explore new repertoire, or just get inspired, this channel offers a mix of education and motivation.
Strings Magazine
Classical Essentials
This playlist is a perfect starting point for anyone curious about classical music. It features some of the most iconic and powerful pieces ever written—from dramatic symphonies to peaceful string melodies. You’ll hear music by composers like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart, performed by world-class orchestras. Whether you're studying, relaxing, or just want to hear what makes classical music so timeless, this playlist gives you a front-row seat to the greatest hits of the genre.
