by John Rihani | Apr 5, 2016 | Uncategorized
Bassists and cellists often look for “pickups” or “transducers” that facilitate amplifying the instrument by plugging it into a PA system or guitar/bass amplifier. Fishman is a popular manufacturer of such systems and there are many...
by John Rihani | Mar 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
There are few things I enjoy more in my job than seeing a young child walk out with their first instrument! The joy on their face, the anticipation of the first lesson, the look of trepidation on their parents’ face… Many young children start out...
by John Rihani | Mar 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
I had another internet encounter with the unique presence of Rushad Eggleston this week…I found his video of “Fluffy Arabian Cat Disease” for a friend who had never seen him before. If the title of that song doesn’t pique your interest,...
by John Rihani | Mar 15, 2016 | Uncategorized
The weather is changing. The evenings are longer. It’s getting warmer. Apart from being happier and finally getting a dose of sun-provided vitamin D, does the weather change have any effect on your instrument? If you haven’t made any bridge changes...
by John Rihani | Mar 8, 2016 | Uncategorized
I’m going to write today about the virtues of a 5-string bass. In North American orchestras, when extended range is required, we most often see extensions (most often down to the note “C”). An extension involves lengthening the fingerboard above...
by John Rihani | Mar 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
I arrived in Tampa, Florida today for the American String Teachers Association conference. I’ll be representing Indiana both as the chapter president and also in my role as manager of Encore Orchestral Strings. I’m excited about both hats I’ll wear...
by John Rihani | Feb 24, 2016 | Uncategorized
I’m often asked for recommendations for cello strings. It’s always a tricky question, because each player will want something that suits their playing style and their instrument. Ignoring for a moment the infinite complexity of such recommendations,...
by John Rihani | Feb 16, 2016 | Uncategorized
Each year, the American String Teacher’s Association holds its national conference. This year, March 2nd through 5th, it is being held in Tampa, Florida. As the Indiana chapter president, I will have to suffer through the beach and warm weather… ...
by John Rihani | Feb 9, 2016 | Uncategorized
The Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles was featured, along with conductor Gustavo Dudamel, during the halftime show at Super Bowl 50. They performed on stage with the band Coldplay and other featured artists, and played brightly colored instruments. Facebook (at least...
by John Rihani | Feb 3, 2016 | Uncategorized
We often receive questions about the safest way to transport a cello or a bass when airline travel is involved. It is a difficult question, and one with which I have a fair amount of experience. When I was a young cellist (which, strangely, is longer and longer ago...
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