Category Archives: Uncategorized

Just replaced my Fender Flatwounds with a set of D’Addario half wounds on my electric bass. So far I really like them but the B string seems a little dead. ***UPDATE 06/04/11 – I LOVE these strings – except for the … Continue reading →

How do you pronounce Bach? Debussy? Schoenberg or Lutoslawski? Unless you met the composer, it is probably slightly different than I or someone else says it. We americans tend to be very pretentious about our pronunciations. I’m all for accuracy … Continue reading →

From American String Teacher            

Syracuse, NY — The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees met Tuesday and voted to dissolve the corporation, sell its remaining assets and enter Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. “In plain terms, the SSO as we now know it will cease … Continue reading →

OK readers, here’s a question for you after iTunes and Google couldn’t help. I found an audio file (one long track) of Ovidiu Badila but I only know a few of the tracks. It starts with Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus and … Continue reading →

This weekend my Chamber Orchestra received a Division I rating at the annual Illinois Grade School Music Association contest festival. And the for the first time ever, we received a I rating from every judge!!!!

Anyone have an idea what these plastic tubes are for?

In a rut? Looking to jumpstart your playing? Or maybe you just want to get a fresh viewpoint on your playing. I am now offering virtual lessons. The format is flexible. We can Skype or use iChat or other program. … Continue reading →

Here are links to world premiere performance and recordings of Dragonetti’s concerto in D and quintets No. 18, 13, 26 and 11. – I hope you enjoy them- it’s great music! Cheers, John Feeney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF8brc5X2DA http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/johnfeeney http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/feeneyjohn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tPO-L_lMaY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u51cte4Ulw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqpGS_HmYtw

What are your thoughts on D versus Eb necks?

Martin Simpson, from South Africa, has compiled an extensive list of bass player birthdays. Very cool! Download it here.

Happy New Year! What are your goals for this  year? What are your plans to achieve them? Some of my targets – and I like to call them targets rather than goals as a target is something you can hit … Continue reading →

A tuner. This is used to help the student tune their instrument. They are about $20 – $30 dollars and I recommend the brand ‘Korg’. A metronome. This is used to help the students keep a steady beat. My favorite … Continue reading →

Here’s an email I got from the Baltimore Symphony in regards to their summer academy program. To Whom It May Concern: Please allow me to introduce myself as the Academy Coordinator for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.  One aspect of my … Continue reading →

How do you deal with a student that never practices?

Here are some thoughts on determining bowings. Feel free to comment and discuss. 1. The first beat of a measure should be a down bow. (Unless there’s a syncopation.) 2. ‘Ands’ (&) are usually up bow. 3. Rests can be … Continue reading →