Featured Articles
Shar Music® Poetry: Aaron Dworkin's "Road Map"
"Trying, again, to bring imagery to play – so that people may have that image flash in their mind... that sense of cementing in stone a guide, an interpreter, to then bring music to life."
Freedom, Hip Hop, and Saints – Celebrating Women's History Month
From Nicki Minaj covers to 12th century saints – to neglected sisters, flowing fountains, and invented languages – this blog has it all.
Conversation and Inspiration with Jordan Hamilton
“Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Keep messing up, keep figuring it out. That’s what I would say to young students. Really lean into that uncomfort."
Shar Music® Speaks with Joy Black – Classical Musician, Hip-Hop Artist, and Electric Violinist (and More)
We talk with “hip-hop violinist” Joy Black about conspiracy theories (“Aliens exist!”), smelling like a peach-scented candle, covering “The Thong Song,” the bridge between classical music and hip-hop, and more!
More Articles
Are Violin Strings Really Made of Cat Guts?
You've heard the rumor: some violin strings are made of something called "catgut". But is catgut actually cat intestines?
String Theory: A Progressive Rock Violin Primer
An overview of how violins infiltrated rock & roll in the progressive (prog) era, featuring King Crimson, Kansas, Curved Air, and more.
"What is the Earliest Bowed String Instrument?" and Other Tricky Questions
How did humans start playing string instruments? What was the first string instrument? When did bows come into play? What is the earliest bowed string instrument?
Which Rosin is Right For Me?
What's the difference between light, dark, and amber rosin for violin, viola, cello, or bass? The scoop on this essential string instrument accessory.
String Mutes: What Difference Do They Make?
Exploring the difference between mute styles and materials for string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass).
Memphis Shakedown: How Blues Fiddle Changed 20th Century Popular Music
A brief history of the blues fiddle and its place in 20th Century popular music. Featuring The Mississippi Sheiks, Big Bill Broonzy, and more.
Chenyi Avsharian: Finding Confidence
I lost it on the way to adulthood - bit by bit, piece by piece.
Writing Stories in Music
Dr. Immanuel Abraham, 'The Violin Doctor', on using music as language, as a storytelling medium.
Living a Life of Musical Diversity
Detroit musician Michelle May on her musical upbringing, and on the importance of representation in the classical world and beyond.