In association with the RAM some DVDs of Masterclasses have just been released which look very interesting. Currently available are Andras Schiff, Maxim Vengerov, Frans Helmerson, Thomas Quasthoff and Bernard Haitink. More are in the pipeline.

Anything that can help give me hints and tips to play better is welcome.

These would be of value to all musicians of the respective instruments, but particularly those preparing for a recital diploma that included any of the masterclass works.

That's brilliant,thanks for the link.

I missed Stephen Isserlis off my original list.

Have learnt something already...adjust vibrato to the surroundings, eg you don't need so much in a cathedral as there is a lot of resonance in the building. I think this means I have to play in cathedrals from now on to compensate for my lack of vibrato. Hmmm ... are there any cathedrals used as exam centres??

I saw a Frans Helmerson masterclass once at the RNCM cello festival, it really was inspiring! How awesome would it be to have him as a teacher!

Just bringing this back up as some more have now been added to the list

Check them here

And some more in the pipeline for later this year and next year.

For those that can't or won't buy dvd's I often watch masterclasses on youtube, also if you have digital tv they often come up on the the Arts channel and Performance channel

Thanks. I just saw one with Guy Deplus taking a clarinet class. He gave some interesting advice - just before a crescendo, play slightly diminuendo to make the music flow better and to emphasise the crescendo, i.e. think of it as going up and down hills rather than a straight road and suddenly a rise.

Interesting!

Steve