A New World On the benefits of starting cello lessons at age 63 By Judy Pollard Smith Lifelong Wish It’s never too late to pick up an instrument—here are 5 tips for adult beginners By Miranda Wilson Better Together Encouragement and advice for advancing amateur orchestral musicians By Emily Wright How to Start an Adult Chamber-Music Ensemble These tips can help ensure a successful experience By Greg Cahill Leonard Bernstein at 100 Celebrating the legendary composer-conductor’s string works and unbridled loyalty to the music By Thomas May Journey to the Highlands Joshua Bell’s new recording with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields pairs Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with ‘Scottish Fantasy’ By Inge Kjemtrup Prized Possessions String players and makers on their most sentimental string-related items Compiled by Stephanie Powell & Megan Westberg Editor’s Note News & Notes Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason performs at the royal wedding; plus Milestones; 5 Minutes with Roberto Díaz, and more Letter From India Violinist Cassandra Sotos on touring in India and South Africa with Bollywood star Arijit Singh Shop Talk Violin and viol maker Gabriela Guadalajara on her varnishing process What’s in the Case? Violinist Elena Urioste discusses her 1706 Alessandro Gagliano Your Instrument A well-made peg is a thing of beauty, not just function New Products Gewa partners with Ray Chen on a signature case, and more On My Music Stand Violist Clifton Harrison on the timeless qualities of Ives’ String Quartet No. 2 Tech Support Developing structure and flexibility in your bow hold My Studio Achieving all my professional goals made me realize I had chosen the wrong profession Stage & Studio Songwriting advice from Carrie Rodriguez, Amanda Shires, and Carla Kihlstedt REVIEWS For the Record: Duo Gazzana on the premiere recording of Ligeti’s ‘Duo’ for violin and piano. In Print: Gershwin’s ‘Lullaby’ blends classical and jazz for string quartet, and more.
