Media Library

"Camp was never just about music. It was the creaky bunk beds, the 7 a.m. bugle, the way a G major chord could shake a mess hall full of teenagers into stunned silence. It was knowing your stand partner only for two weeks, yet somehow missing them for years afterward. Summer music camp wasn’t just a seasonal tradition—it was a proving ground, a playground, and a passport to who I wanted to become."— Braden Thompson, Shar Music

What if finding the perfect instrument didn’t mean taking a leap of faith? With Shar Music’s In-Home Trial Program, you can play, explore, and compare expertly selected instruments and bows—right from your living room. It’s more than a trial. It’s your music, your way.

At just 13, a chance encounter with Mr. Laurits Th. Larsen, founder of Larsen Strings, reshaped my musical path. He didn’t come to perform—he came to listen, encourage, and equip young musicians with the tools to discover their true voice. I was one of them. With his belief in me and the gift of Larsen strings, I found not only new colors in my sound but new confidence. Today, as a professional violinist and COO of Shar Music, I carry his legacy forward—proof that the right support can turn potential into a lifelong calling.

Should violinists and violists use a shoulder rest? Explore the pros, cons, and history of this modern accessory to make the best choice for your body, style, and sound.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Laurie Niles from Violinist.com during the 2024 ASTAxSuzuki Convention.

"Musicality" by Poetjournalist-in-Residence, Aaron Dworkin encompasses the nuance that exists in the balance between technique and soul.