Opinion

Perfecting bowing is a lifelong quest for string players – but what about pizzicato? Cellist Davina Shum advocates setting aside some dedicated practice time to this neglected technique

String players certainly have their work cut out in terms of mastering the numerous bowing techniques available. To conquer the versatility and flexibility of the bow is a lifelong quest, the end of which is never really reached. Heck, even learning to hold the thing can prove troublesome, as anyone who teaches beginners can attest.

But how many string players can say they’ve dedicated the same amount of time honing their pizzicato skills? When we embark on a practice session, there is plenty of emphasis on starting with simple tasks, such as open-string tone exercises, not to mention the inevitability of scales – but it’s all with the bow. It almost sounds silly to suggest otherwise. In fact, I can hear my inner (exasperated) teacher saying, ‘Yes, of course it’s with the bow!’