In this collection of in-depth interviews, today's leading performers get to the heart of one of the most beloved forms of classical music: the string quartet. Representing both young groups and longstanding favorites, they all have insights into the joys and hardships of expressing themselves as part of a tight-knit ensemble. How they practice, how they come to consensus, their performance secrets and anxieties, what moves and inspires them – all this and more comes to life in this series of revealing interviews with player and charter Strings magazine contributor Edith Eisler.

This collection of interviews sparkles with the individual personalities of some of this century's most gifted cellists. With voices as unique as their instruments', these musicians reveal the facets and textures of their professional and personal lives. From the intrepid Bion Tsang to the dynamic Kenneth Slowik and the charming Yo-Yo Ma, these artists and many others discuss what it's like to be a soloist, member of an ensemble, composer, mentor, musical activist and recording artist. How they began, what cultural and historical forces shaped them, how they practice, and what they aspire to – this and more are illuminated in this fascinating volume. Artists include: David Finckel, Ralph Kirshbaum, Laurence Lesser, Yo-Yo Ma, Kermit Moore, Carlos Prieto, Hai-Ye Ni, Kenneth Slowik, Bion Tsang, Jian Wang and Peter Wispelwey.

Acoustic guitarists can now better understand their instruments, preserve and protect their value, and get the sounds they really want, thanks to this new book from the experts at Acoustic Guitar magazine. This indispensable guide begins by acquainting players with their instruments and laying to rest some pervasive guitar myths, then proceeds through various aspects of basic care, setup, common repairs, and pickup installation. Whether it's cleaning and polishing a beloved guitar, protecting it from theft or changes in humidity, selecting a case, or performing diagnostics, readers will become more savvy acoustic guitar owners and repair-shop customers and can forego dubious advice from well-meaning friends and anonymous “experts” on the Web. Includes a primer and glossary of terms.

Whether it's coping with overuse problems, conquering performance anxiety, or just keeping your body in great string-playing shape, experts from the pages of Strings magazine will help you in all areas of player wellness. This handy guide includes helpful tips from performers, teachers, students and doctors to keep you playing at your best.

This book provides a practical and engaging look at living the life of a professional musician. Drawing upon decades of experience in the orchestra pit and the teaching studio, Tom Heimberg's advice and insights about both practice and performance will prove invaluable to the aspiring young musician who dreams of making a successful career in music. This book will resonate, too, with the experienced professional who revels in the talk of the trade. And for the music lover in the audience, it will provide unique glimpses at life backstage. Musicians and music lovers of all levels will appreciate the wealth of practical information it provides, interwoven with humorous vignettes about working and playing with inspired musicians of the 20th century.