Although superhuman flexibility may initially seem like a gift, it also presents itself with challenges and injury. Adam Hockman interviews violinist Francesca dePasquale on how string players can approach hypermobility in their playing and treatment…

In the world of classical music, reputation is part of what determines the relationships a musician has with the people and organizations that can move their career forward. A reputation is “the opinion that people in general have about someone or…

Discover 5 powerful lessons in encouraging students to combine their identities, interests, and musical passions for fulfilling artistic lives. Learn from flutist Annie Wu's inspiring journey and explore practical steps to help students integrate

As a practice and performance consultant at the Heifetz International Music Institute, Adam Hockman is used to giving advice on how to maintain ensemble players’ attention throughout a rehearsal. Here, he shares some tips for keeping them tuned in.

Adam Hockman speaks to violinist Chloé Kiffer about her teaching approaches, which include self-reflection, a solid teaching philosophy and providing consistency for students Discover more Featured Stories like this in The Strad Playing Hub. Most…

Adam Hockman interviews the Perlman Music Program founder Toby Perlman on creating an ideal and safe environment for string students to thrive Toby Perlman, founder of the Perlman Music Program (PMP), has spent her life in the arts as a musician,…

When applying to a conservatory, most music students look at who is on faculty before deciding whether to research other parts of the program. A school’s reputation is built on the quality of its faculty, while teachers build their reputation by…

Private lessons are the cornerstone of a musician’s education—and one of the biggest investments. Find out how to make the most of your teacher’s wisdom, guidance, and instruction. Focus on what you’re doing, what your teacher says and does, and how…

The practice and performance consultant identifies what causes memory slips and gives tips on improving memorisation technique Explore more Technique articles like this in The Strad Playing Hub After hours of practice, masterclasses, and dress…

Understanding what influences your performance anxiety is the key to overcoming stage fright, writes practice and performance consultant Adam Hockman Explore more Technique articles like this in The Strad Playing Hub A not-uncommon scenario for…

A continuation of the September 2022 column on finding your community of practice.

Common sense advice for finding common purpose in chamber music collaborations.

Professional careers are subject to ups and downs. Tedious job responsibilities challenging family matters horrific world events any of these can result in restlessness…

It is hard to tell whether students are actively engaged when listening to music. There are ways to get a glimpse and to encourage it, writes Adam Hockman, as he outlines some activities for building musical comprehension in listening exercises. Most…

The new school year provides an opportunity to try new strategies or update your existing toolkit. Adam Hockman outlines an adaptable game you can use to promote student engagement in the music classroom. When students start to squirm, talk to their…

Organists can find themselves working in every corner of the world from the backroads of rural Virginia to a Paris arrondissement Depending on where you live and work…

Hockman, a consultant who applies behavioral, learning, and measurement science to music disciplines, shares his expert tips Dear VC reader, We all have recordings of our performances living somewhere — tucked inside our phone, privately archived in…

Whether you're a classroom, instrumental, or vocal teacher, you probably use teaching materials in some areas of your work. Practice and performance consultant Adam Hockman identifies two common design flaws found in music teaching materials and…