What makes a string work?

Ask New York musician Lyris Hung at Philip Brown Violins workshop

EVER wondered exactly how a musical instrument string is made? What’s the difference between steel core, synthetic core and gut? Why do your strings go false, and how often should you REALLY change them? Answers to these
questions and many more will be provided by New York violinist Lyris Hung, who will help you become a more educated string purchaser, player and teacher.

Lyris will demystify the strings on our instruments by detailing the steps and components of what makes a string work. You will learn what kind of strings suit your instrument, playing style and level. She will discuss everything that goes into making and playing on a string, including materials, maintenance, longevity, rosin and everything in between. This is also an informative session for all those who work with strings, not just stringplayers.

The clinic will demonstrate the following topics, followed by a Q&A session:

History of string-making
Anatomy of a string – what’s inside and outside, and why does it matter?
Tension and gauge – what does it all mean?
How to care for your strings – maintenance, how to properly change them and maintain longevity

This workshop at Philip Brown Violins is a great opportunity to understand more about string technology, performance and maintenance. There will also be a chance to test strings on your own instrument.

p Lyris Hung began her violin studies at the age of three in the exotic wilds of Fairfield County, Connecticut. By 17 she was studying a double-degree programme between the
Juilliard School of Music and Columbia University.

Lyris has performed with a number of stellar conductors such as James DePriest, Kurt Masur, Pierre Boulez and Bobby McFerrin, and toured Japan and Korea with the Juilliard Orchestra. She is now an active session violinist in NYC, performing with Bryan Adams, Bono, Quincy Jones, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, tours regularly with the Indigo Girls and also composes and performs with choreographers and musical theatre and has worked as sound designer for games and other interactive media, as well as behind the board as a producer.

The workshop takes place at 6.30pm on Tuesday, at Philip Brown Violins’ workshop at 85a Northbrook Street. To book a place, telephone (01635) 35465 – there’s free entry, but numbers will be limited. Wine and nibbles.
philipbrownviolins.co.uk