Posts

• Makers Spotlight with Rory Boardman
  Uncover the story of violin maker Rory Boardman, who blends 45 years of family tradition with engineering to craft exquisite violins.
• In the Green Room with Violinist Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux
  Discover the journey of violinist Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux from Montpellier to the Menuhin School in this captivating story of music, culture, and growth.
• In the Green Room with pianist Ariel Lanyi
  A phone call left pianist Ariel Lanyi, if it was a dream that he had received the Serdang Prix, awarded by pianist Rudolf Buchbinder.
• Celebrities speed to the aid of music therapy charity
  The world of music moved up a gear to race to help Nordoff and Robbins – the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
• How to Maintain String Instruments
  Learn how to care for and maintain your string instruments, whether you’ve got a violin, cello, guitar, or harp. Play on with these handy tips from Lark Music.
• RPS Young Artist Award Nominee Ryan Corbett
  We spoke to the RPS Young Artist Award nominee, Ryan Corbett, a Glaswegian accordionist, to learn what this award means to a young musician.
• RPS Young Artist Award Nominee Lotte Betts-Dean
  We spoke to Lotte Betts-Dean, an Australian mezzo-soprano and nominee for the RPS Young Artist Award, to learn what makes a musician.
• How Freddie Mercury’s piano achieved the world’s highest ever price for a piano at auction
  Piano expert Sean McIlroy reveals behind-the-scenes work to ensure the best price for Freddie Mercury’s Yamaha baby grand
• The Cosman Keller Art & Music Trust
  Uncover Hans Keller’s legacy and The Cosman Keller Art & Music Trust’s role in fostering talent and new compositions through YCAT’s Hans Keller String Quartet Project in class...
• Cello Insurance
  Hit the right note with cello insurance tailored to you. We help musicians of all levels, from professionals to hobbyists. Get a quote with Lark Music today.
• Used by musicians for 1000s of years, we find out what makes the difference – Rosin unwrapped
  Unlocking the mysteries and benefits of rosin and how different varieties are better for different string instruments
• Learning by ear and learning to listen was a good education
  In the Green Room with violist Adam Newman, the newest member of YCAT Hans Keller Artists, the Adelphi Quartet
• Mark Knopfler: ‘Your guitar will always be a good friend, however your life is going’
  A unique look at the guitars owned by Dire Strait’s Knopfler before they go up for auction at Christies, and what many of this mean to the guitarist
• Feel the noise – the new frontier of classical music concerts
  Noisenights, are attracting audiences to watch international soloists in clubs and bars across the UK – and the 2024 dates have just been released
• The 10 best gifts for musicians, makers and restorers this Christmas
  We all have that one friend or family member who is notoriously difficult to find Christmas gifts for. And we want to find a gift that is both thoughtful, useful and one that they will enjoy!
• In the Green Room with James Baillieu – ‘I arrived slightly green but I was given time to find my space’
  Leading song and chamber music pianist James Baillieu became a YCAT artist in 2010 – and now he is back at Wigmore Hall supporting a new artist
• Five reasons to get specialist piano insurance

  Five reasons from Lark Music why specialist piano insurance or musical instrument insurance gives more cover and protection than standard household insurance

• Do I need violin insurance?

  Discover the importance of violin insurance, whether you’re a pro or novice. Safeguard your musical investment for uninterrupted harmony.

• In the Green Room with YCAT: Clarinettist Jonathan Leibovitz opens the new season at Wigmore Hall
  An avid chamber musician, Jonathan founded the Avir Wind Quintet, and has collaborated with the ‘Mietar Ensemble’ and the Israeli Contemporary Players. He has given recitals across Israel, in G...
• Staying in tune: Everything you need to know about guitar chords
  This is your go-to guide for guitar chords. From tricky to basic guitar chords, here’s what you need to know if you’re starting out on your guitar journey.
• Could a bursary set the tone for more musical education investment?
  Lark Music is providing a year’s bursary support for one student, including tuition and LSSO membership, to ease the financial pressure of musical education.
• The Rosenberg Collection – Masterclass of the Violin World
  Gordana Jevic in conversation with Tim Ingles, Director at Ingles & Hayday auction house in London, talks about the private sale of the late Norman Rosenberg’s violin collection
• From borrowed flute to Wigmore Hall: Spotlight with Adam Walker
  With a career that has taken him to the world’s leading concert halls and stages, Adam has captivated audiences with his brilliant performances and interpretive insight.
• It was pure magic to play Fauré’s first sonata barefoot on a carpet of fine red dust – Elena Urioste
  In support of the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, Lark Music has sponsored the Instrumentalist Award, and this year’s shortlist includes extraordinary violinist Elena Urioste.
• Quality guitars with more than just strings attached
  As a professional musician, your income depends on your musical instrument. Find out how to choose the right music instrument insurance for your needs.
• You never hear anybody say I wish I didn’t play a musical instrument!
  As a professional musician, your income depends on your musical instrument. Find out how to choose the right music instrument insurance for your needs.
• In the Green Room YCAT Artists Past and Present
  As a professional musician, your income depends on your musical instrument. Find out how to choose the right music instrument insurance for your needs.
• In the Green Room with YCAT: 2021 YCAT International Audition winners Quatuor Agate
  As a professional musician, your income depends on your musical instrument. Find out how to choose the right music instrument insurance for your needs.
• Three ways playing a musical instrument affects the brain
  How Mozart’s unique musical abilities could suggest that he was on the autistic spectrum, and how this can inspire people with autism today.
• In the Green Room with the Young Classical Artist’s Trust
  As a professional musician, your income depends on your musical instrument. Find out how to choose the right music instrument insurance for your needs.
• How to choose the right music instrument insurance
  As a professional musician, your income depends on your musical instrument. Find out how to choose the right music instrument insurance for your needs.
• How to take care of your guitar strings
  When it comes to buying a guitar – whether classical, acoustic or electric – we all look very carefully at the construction materials, the type of varnish or the specifications of the pick-up. ...
• Discover the influence the Italian Renaissance had on the violin making world – Florian Leonhard
  Florian Leonhard has dedicated his life to studying, restoring, and making violins. His latest contribution to the music world comes in the form of his book, The Makers of Tuscany, a much-needed ad...
• Is this the end for ivory?
  One of the toughest bans on elephant ivory sales is now in force. Many applaud the UK Government’s action, but how will this affect the music industry?
• “Music was all around me” – musician spotlight with violinist Ning Kam
  Violinist Ning Kam has had an inspirational journey so far. In our latest Musician Spotlight, she tells us how it all began and how she acquired the 1668 Amati violin she plays on today.
• Inspiration for the next generation – musician spotlight with Rose Light
  17 year old violinist Rose Light is aiming high. We talk musical inspiration and hopes for the future for young musicians today.
• Seven transferrable skills you learn from music
  How studying music teaches you transferrable life skills for the workplace. Discover the core ways musicians make excellent workers and valued team players.
• “Learn at your own pace” – musician spotlight with Melanie Jones, cellist
  Every musician follows their own path. Cellist Melanie Jones discusses her musical journey, from the impact of her autism diagnosis to the many plates she’s spinning right now.
• Shaping the sound in wondrous ways – musician spotlight with Maciej Kułakowski
  Lose yourself in the music – cellist Maciej Kułakowski chats to us about his musical influences and love of the cello.
• “It’s always important to have mentors” – musician spotlight with violist Stephen Upshaw
  Where do you find your musical inspiration? World-class viola-player Stephen Upshaw discusses the people and themes that inspire him – and how the viola first caught his imagination.
• Ballet, bows & tennis courts: Musician Spotlight with Emma Arizza
  Ballet, bows & tennis courts – an unusual trio but an interesting history for our latest musician in the spotlight, violinist Emma Arizza.
• Celebrating Mozart this World Autism Acceptance Week
  How Mozart’s unique musical abilities could suggest that he was on the autistic spectrum, and how this can inspire people with autism today.
• One Love – One Lesson
  There’s plenty to take away from the Bob Marley: One Love Experience at London’s Saatchi Gallery – but the lesson to learn ­for any musician is to protect your copyright.
• Leave your ego at home, Musician Spotlight with guitarist Dylan Kay
  Dabbling in lessons with a local teacher and learning from records and CDs before moving on to more formal study at the Guitar Institute in London and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Dylan Kay ...
• How to make money as a musician: Going digital with your music
  Below we outline ways musicians are making money whilst still doing what they love – making music.
• The House of Music: Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason talks to us about her story
  The House of Music – Raising the Kanneh-Masons, by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason gives insight into the family’s home life alongside flashbacks of Kadie’s childhood in Sierra Leone and Wales, meeting ...
• How to clean your saxophone
  Your complete guide to cleaning your saxophone to prevent tarnishing and mould building up, including an equipment list and step-by-step instructions.
• Anna Lapwood tells Lark Music how she’s following her teachers’ lead
  BBC Young Musician presenter Anna Lapwood, 26,​ is a conductor, organist and the youngest ever Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
• Kira Doherty thrives on challenges of change
  Vacuum-packing offal was an unexpected, temporary career change for the Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2^nd horn player Kira Doherty.
• Rebeca Omordia brings to life the rhythms of African culture
  Pianist Rebeca Omordia is bringing African classical music to London with a series of concerts at Wigmore Hall in February 2022.
• How musicians can help look after their mental health
  How to take care of your mental health as a musician. Tips and habits to relieve the pressure, from physical activities to musical instrument insurance.
• Daidrum: Drumming Up a New Audience
  Meet Daidrum. You may know him better as David Foster, Aston Lark’s Executive Director in the Private Clients division, who has just written and produced his first album, The Wild Winds Coldly Bl...
• Top fascinating facts about the violin
  Discover the most interesting violin top facts, from how it’s made to its world records.
• What musical instrument is the easiest to learn?
  The best musical instruments for beginners. Discover the easiest instruments to learn from scratch and how musical instrument insurance can help.
• Merger to help music transform people’s lives
  Snape Maltings and The Red House have merged as Britten Pears Arts, and it could not have come at a better time for music to help transform people’s lives.
• The best tips for looking after your guitar
  Essential tips to keep your guitar pristine. Get cleaning, storage and travelling advice for musicians, plus find the right guitar insurance.
• György Pauk’s new book to help young musicians
  György Pauk, one of the leading violinists of his generation has written a book about his 80-year career to help young musicians.
• Why musicians need Public Liability insurance
  Prepare to play again with the right musician insurance. Why public liability cover is so important for musicians who perform, teach and play.
• Wigmore Hall set to celebrate 120th
  Wigmore Hall’s 25-concert re-opening festival will culminate in a major celebration of its 120th anniversary on May 31 2021.
• Enjoy the Menuhin Competition Violin Drama
  The world-leading international Menuhin Competition for talented young violinists postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic returns, albeit virtually.
• It’s the perfect time to announce schools’ new music curriculum, says Julian Lloyd Webber
  The Department for Education’s new Model Music Curriculum, will refresh music lessons for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3.
• Hello to the cello: Check out our top cello facts while organising your cello insurance
  Read some fascinating cello facts along with an interview with Scottish cellist Alasdair Tait who has performed in many of the world’s major concert halls.
• Lockdown 3.0 and your musical instrument insurance: Do you need a Practise at Home policy?
  The Practise at Home Only policy provides tailored annual cover for stay-at-home musicians, switch to from your normal musical instrument insurance policy.
• Supporting the arts as a trustee of the Young Classical Artists Trust
  Aston Lark Private Client Director Julie Webb has been appointed a trustee of the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT).
• Congratulations to pianist Martin James Bartlett on receiving the Benjamin Britten Piano Fellowship
  Pianist Martin James Bartlett receives the Benjamin Britten Piano Fellowship 2020 – 2021 by the Royal College of Music.
• The music plays on at Cory Brass Band online championships
  Cory Brass Band sets up their own online championship in response to all 2020 live brass band competitions being cancelled
• Is your musical instrument valuation up to date?
  As the price of musical instruments continues to rise make sure yours is not under-valued
• Lark Music supports the Philharmonia Orchestra in their third concert of The Philharmonia Sessions. Will you be tuning in?
  Tune in to the third concert in The Philharmonia Sessions, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s summer programme of free digital concerts.
• Travelling again? Do you need to revise your Lark Music Practising Only policy?
  As we start to venture out again, musicians who took advantage of Lark Music’s Practising only policy are reminded to revise their cover.
• Lark Music welcomes £1.57bn arts rescue package and green light for indoor music performances to resume
  Lark Music welcomes £1.57bn arts rescue package and green light for indoor music performances to resume
• Accordionist Samuele Telari shares story of lockdown in Italy
  Accordionist Samuele Telari shares story of lockdown in Italy
• Watch composer Jonathan Bloxham’s professional debut
  Watch composer Jonathan Bloxham’s professional debut
• Percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie demonstrates how sound becomes music
  Percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie demonstrates how sound becomes music
• Live music from Wigmore Hall: It’s really happening through BBC Radio 3
  We’ve been enjoying wonderful music during Wigmore Hall’s recent live streaming every Monday night, and now the top London concert venue has announced another innovative concert series
• Lark Music launches Practising Only policy
  Lark Music, leading musical instrument insurance provider, announces launch of Practice Only policy with tailored annual cover for stay-at-home musicians.
• Lockdown Live: Sinfonietta Shorts Live Supported By Lark Music
  London Sinfonietta’s World Premiere Wednesday breakfast concerts, supported by Lark Music, have become regular events over the past few years
• The French Horn: top facts
  Inspired by the playing of Ben Goldscheider at the Young Classical Artists Trust final in May, we thought we’d find out more about his instrument.
• Lark Music in Manchester – 2020 Vision
  We’ve been enjoying wonderful music during Wigmore Hall’s recent live streaming every Monday night, and now the top London concert venue has announced another innovative concert series
• HMP Warren Hill: Music-making on the inside
  This article looks at a most moving concert held at a prison, HMP Warren Hill, where Lark Music supports Snape Maltings’ music performance workshops.
• Boulez and Bowie – More alike than you would think!
  January 2020 marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of two of the greatest musical figure of the late 20th century.
• Recorder facts: We know more than just recorder insurance!
  Five interesting recorder facts about this seemingly simple instrument and the reason why Tabea Debus, loves playing the recorder.
• Lark Music and the London Sinfonietta: Making New Music Happen
  Lark Music and the London Sinfonietta have created a short film explaining how our businesses work together and support world-class music and musicians.
• Travelling with your instrument – Advice from the ISM on air travel
  Squeezing your toiletries into a sealed transparent bag, going through security, remembering where you put your passport, finding the correct gate: boarding a flight is already stressful enough
• The Clash: London Calling exhibition to open at the Museum of London
  The Lark Music team know our clients love all kinds of so music so we are delighted to highlight an exhibition that will open in London this autumn to capture the sound of a generation.
• The Bassoon – Top Facts
  The Bassoon – Top Facts
• Outstanding Chippendale tables and mirrors acquired for the nation
  We at Aston Lark are delighted to learn that a highly important set of pier tables and glasses (mirrors) by Thomas Chippendale, often described as ‘the Shakespeare of English furniture-making’,...
• Follow Your Heart
  Follow Your Heart