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Welcome to My Birthday Giveaway

*** this free offer is going away soon
Take advantage now to get:
  • Streaming access to All my premium courses below
  • A free private Zoom lesson (new students only)
  • Download 8 of my books, workbooks, transcriptions, and play along directory (sold separately for over $250)
If you'd like to:
  • Improvise consistently in various styles
  • Gain mastery of harmony, groove, and song forms
  • Attract new opportunities
  • Make your own covers, loops, accompaniments/backups, and be able to jam
  • (Teachers)- Teach skills relevant to your students' needs

  • Seriously though. During my birthday week, this is totally free.

    If you want to stay beyond 30 days you can pay a small monthly fee and cancel anytime. 

    Otherwise, sign up, claim your free stuff and cancel within 30 days. You'll never be billed a dime. 

Hear what members are saying

"This is really fabulous! I am very very admiring of the entire package: all technical, theoretical, pedagogical foundations. And Chris’ positivity and optimism in the videos is wonderful!"
Michaela Zirnbauer
Michaela ZirnbauerSuzuki teacher
"Thanks for the Ideas, the interaction, and the peptalk. Chris is among the coolest of beans. Not because he plays so well, but because he concern himself with building bridges for others to cross over. These are things that remain and give and then give again."
Michelle Rindahl
Michelle RindahlViolinist UW-Parkside Symphony
"The work I did was an extremely minimal price to pay for what I received! Christian’s clear approach opened my understanding of how to navigate the violin, but it can also be applied to any chordal instrument and even to thoughtful, intentional development of lines on single-voice, melodic instruments, including human voice. Much fun! I am grateful! TY!"
oseph Simpson
oseph SimpsonViolinist
"I really appreciated the tangible exercises to focus on and just chip away at it day by day, allowing me to grow gradually. Now, I know what to practice (for now) & I feel more confident about doing it."
Sumer Noel
Sumer NoelViolinist
" You gave me the essential keys to understand how to improvise. And especially to dare to play, even if we don't know anything about jazz or the codes of improvisation. Everything you shared with us was clear and practical, I know what I have to work on and how I can practice. Thanks for your passion and the way you convey your knowledge and your experiences. " 
Flora Trivelli
Flora TrivelliViolin Teacher, Switzerland
"Thank you for this amazing journey on improvisation and creativity. I believe I have material I can practice on for the next 10 years!"
Kalina Jankova
Kalina JankovaMusic Entrepreneur & Educator, Sweden
"I'm so happy and relieved to have found a teacher that understands the frustrations of coming from a rigid classical background, and more importantly one who knows a way out into a wider world!!"
Sarah Cross
Sarah CrossViolinist, Netherlands
"The highly organized musical plan of being able to understand & play improvisational music with feeling was both highly inspiring and challenging"
Michael Doucet
Michael DoucetSinger & Violinist
"Christian Howes provides a much needed bridge to classically trained musicians and others who want to expand their playing and begin to play within a more creative context.Bravo!"
Timothy Smith
Timothy SmithFiddler & Recording Artist
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Join today and get my 8 eBooks for free:
and...
  • Play-Along Directory so you can search hundreds of lessons by style, theme, difficulty
  • Backing Tracks
  • Transcriptions
  • PDF practice resources

How it works:

Sign up below free for a 30 day trial of Creative Strings Academy.

Download the 8 books, schedule a private lesson with me (optional), and enjoy my premium courses.

You won’t be charged anything now and you can cancel anytime within 30 days without paying a dime.
If you stay beyond 30 days, you’ll be billed $39.95 per month and you can cancel anytime

Click the button below, provide your PayPal or credit card information, and hit “submit.”

Creative Strings Academy Membership 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL
Creative Strings Academy Membership 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL
Creative Strings Academy Membership. Gain access to all of Christian Howes’s 200+ online videos and materials! Try the first full month FREE – cancel at anytime.
Price: $57.00
 

" You gave me the essential keys to understand how to improvise. And especially to dare to play, even if we don't know anything about jazz or the codes of improvisation. Everything you shared with us was clear and practical, I know what I have to work on and how I can practice. Thanks for your passion and the way you convey your knowledge and your experiences. " 
Flora Trivelli
Flora TrivelliViolin Teacher, Switzerland
"Thank you for this amazing journey on improvisation and creativity. I believe I have material I can practice on for the next 10 years!"
Kalina Jankova
Kalina JankovaMusic Entrepreneur & Educator, Sweden
"I'm so happy and relieved to have found a teacher that understands the frustrations of coming from a rigid classical background, and more importantly one who knows a way out into a wider world!!"
Sarah Cross
Sarah CrossViolinist, Netherlands
"The highly organized musical plan of being able to understand & play improvisational music with feeling was both highly inspiring and challenging"
Michael Doucet
Michael DoucetSinger & Violinist
"Christian Howes provides a much needed bridge to classically trained musicians and others who want to expand their playing and begin to play within a more creative context.Bravo!"
Timothy Smith
Timothy SmithFiddler & Recording Artist
"This is really fabulous! I am very very admiring of the entire package: all technical, theoretical, pedagogical foundations. And Chris’ positivity and optimism in the videos is wonderful!"
Michaela Zirnbauer
Michaela ZirnbauerSuzuki teacher
"Thanks for the Ideas, the interaction, and the peptalk. Chris is among the coolest of beans. Not because he plays so well, but because he concern himself with building bridges for others to cross over. These are things that remain and give and then give again."
Michelle Rindahl
Michelle RindahlViolinist UW-Parkside Symphony
"The work I did was an extremely minimal price to pay for what I received! Christian’s clear approach opened my understanding of how to navigate the violin, but it can also be applied to any chordal instrument and even to thoughtful, intentional development of lines on single-voice, melodic instruments, including human voice. Much fun! I am grateful! TY!"
oseph Simpson
oseph SimpsonViolinist
"I really appreciated the tangible exercises to focus on and just chip away at it day by day, allowing me to grow gradually. Now, I know what to practice (for now) & I feel more confident about doing it."
Sumer Noel
Sumer NoelViolinist
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About me, Christian Howes:

Classically trained from age 5, I became curious in my teens to go beyond classical, find my creative voice, and teach what I learned. 

While an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, my work was adopted, and is still used, as required study for all string majors.

Since then I’ve taught classes at Juilliard, Eastman, Oberlin, and other schools for 20 years while refining my curriculum.

I founded Creative Strings to expand music education through the creation of online curriculum, live workshops, and hundreds of visits to schools.

I was voted #1 in the Downbeat Critics Poll (“Rising Stars/Violin”), named among the top three jazz violinists in the JazzTimes critics poll, and nominated for Violinist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association.

I’ve helped thousands of musicians like you develop the confidence and ability to:

  • Become a more creative, versatile musician
  • Teach skills relevant to your students needs
  • Build a more rewarding and varied career as a musician

When you gain understanding and lean into your creativity, it changes how you feel about music and yourself.

You'll be able to...

  • Connect with a wider range of musicians
  • Share your music and teaching with confidence
  • Attract more professional opportunities

In short, you'll be ready to thrive as a musician and/or teacher on your own terms.

I support adult learners, teachers, elite classical players, fiddle players, and stars…

Players who credit my teaching:
"I consider Chris Howes to be among the top 5 best jazz violinists of the new generation"
Jean-Luc Ponty

Gain a Clear Method for Harmony, Improvisation, & Contemporary Styles

Harmony

Because of our training, most string players struggle to hear and apply harmony.

We’re led to assume that if we listen and try harder, we’ll eventually “get it”. This causes wasted time, frustration, and limiting beliefs such as,  “I’m not a creative type”…or,  “I’ll never learn to improvise…”

Like most Suzuki kids, I was proud of my ears, until I tried to hear the harmonies.

I struggled to recognize chords.

I struggled to hear “different-sounding” melodies.

Finally I discovered a method  to teach my ears to recognize and hear more.

How to Visualize Harmony on a String Instrument

I discovered that visualizing the chords on paper made it easier to find chords on the violin.
 

I made a simple diagram to see the chords, and came up with exercises to internalize them. After 10 minutes with these exercises, you’ll have a “night and day” revelation about harmony; and a clear way to never feel lost again.

After that, I’ll show you:

  • the quickest way to memorize chords with the diagram
  • efficient ways to practice scals and arpeggios
  • how to master more complex harmonies

The best part:  You’ll accomplish more in less time by changing the way you practice.

Play in Different Styles

Once you can see chords on your instrument, playing different styles is much easier. I’ll help you understand the differences between fiddle tunes, pop, Latin, Jazz, and other styles. I’ll break down the melodies, bass lines, inner voices, and grooves.

Master Your Creative Process

When you practice, do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions?

I’ll show you how to create something new every time you pick up your instrument, regardless of your technical ability or knowledge of theory. After 20 minutes with my Free Improvisation course, you’ll be creating things you never thought possible.

Classical and/or fiddle training is great- Both leave huge gaps in our musical skills and awareness

Bridge those gaps with my clear methods to help you gain comfort with Harmony, Style/Rhythmic Forms, & your Creative Process.

Whether you’re just beginning to go beyond your classical (or fiddle) training, an intermediate improviser, or advanced, you’ll become a more versatile and creative player (or teacher) with access to my premium courses, including video trainings, PDF’s, and backing tracks.

Creative Strings Academy Membership 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL
Creative Strings Academy Membership 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL
Creative Strings Academy Membership. Gain access to all of Christian Howes's 200+ online videos and materials! Try the first full month FREE - cancel at anytime.
Price: $57.00
"Thanks for the Ideas, the interaction, and the peptalk. Chris is among the coolest of beans. Not because he plays so well, but because he concern himself with building bridges for others to cross over. These are things that remain and give and then give again."
Michelle Rindahl
Michelle RindahlViolinist UW-Parkside Symphony
"Christian Howes provides a much needed bridge to classically trained musicians and others who want to expand their playing and begin to play within a more creative context.Bravo!"
Timothy Smith
Timothy SmithFiddler & Recording Artist
"I'm so happy and relieved to have found a teacher that understands the frustrations of coming from a rigid classical background, and more importantly one who knows a way out into a wider world!!"
Sarah Cross
Sarah CrossViolinist, Netherlands
" You gave me the essential keys to understand how to improvise. And especially to dare to play, even if we don't know anything about jazz or the codes of improvisation. Everything you shared with us was clear and practical, I know what I have to work on and how I can practice. Thanks for your passion and the way you convey your knowledge and your experiences. " 
Flora Trivelli
Flora TrivelliViolin Teacher, Switzerland
"Thank you for this amazing journey on improvisation and creativity. I believe I have material I can practice on for the next 10 years!"
Kalina Jankova
Kalina JankovaMusic Entrepreneur & Educator, Sweden
"The highly organized musical plan of being able to understand & play improvisational music with feeling was both highly inspiring and challenging"
Michael Doucet
Michael DoucetSinger & Violinist
"This is really fabulous! I am very very admiring of the entire package: all technical, theoretical, pedagogical foundations. And Chris’ positivity and optimism in the videos is wonderful!"
Michaela Zirnbauer
Michaela ZirnbauerSuzuki teacher
"The work I did was an extremely minimal price to pay for what I received! Christian’s clear approach opened my understanding of how to navigate the violin, but it can also be applied to any chordal instrument and even to thoughtful, intentional development of lines on single-voice, melodic instruments, including human voice. Much fun! I am grateful! TY!"
oseph Simpson
oseph SimpsonViolinist
"I really appreciated the tangible exercises to focus on and just chip away at it day by day, allowing me to grow gradually. Now, I know what to practice (for now) & I feel more confident about doing it."
Sumer Noel
Sumer NoelViolinist
Previous
Next

Training for All Levels (Violin, Viola, & Cello)

You'll also discover

  • Chopping & other rhythmic extended techniques
  • Modal Improvisation (in Rock, EDM, Bluegrass, world music, or jazz)
  • How to stop playing the same old licks.
  • 20th century classical-sounding free improvisation
  • How to interpret a chord chart on first sight
  • How to use amplification, effects, and looping
  • Balancing sequencing and randomness in your improvisations and compositions
  • How to perform unaccompanied without sounding boring or like something is missing
  • Transcriptoins and scores.

"Is it right for me?"

If you can say “yes” to any of these questions, I believe you’re a perfect fit for the Creative Strings Academy.

  • are you over the age of ten with at least a few years of experience playing violin, viola, or cello?
  • do you teach private lessons or k-12 strings?
  • do you have a classical or fiddle background?
  • are you a seasoned improvisero or jazz player, looking for more advancement and depth?

My Guarantee

If you spend as little as two hours per week with this course, you’ll gain these takeaways:

  • How to make more of your practice time
  • How to dissect the harmonic and rhythmic components of any tune
  • How to develop your own personal sound
  • How to make sense of different styles beyond classical
  • Teachers- provide curriculum relevant to your students' interests and needs

The Best Part

If you think there’s a chance Creative Strings Academy will work for you, enroll today and see for yourself.

If you’re not happy for any reason, simply cancel during 30 days, without paying a dime.

You’ll still receive EIGHT of my popular books, & a free private lesson valued at $150.

What's training like this worth to you?

  • $40,000+ a year in tution alone for comparable training at Berklee, Manhattan School,etc.
  • $300/mo to hire a private teacher after hours of research

or you could consider everything I’ve shared here and…

Get it for free!

  • Enjoy streaming access to all course materials
  • download all literature (to keep forever)
  • NEW STUDENTS- take a free private lesson with me to clarify the best ways to reach your goals.

I recommend you take advantage of this limited time offer, unless you’re just not interested in being a more versatile and creative musician.

If you miss this, please don’t email me asking for it. When it’s done, it’s done!
 

Imagine for a moment that you DON’T do this today. What if you do nothing?

  • will you still feel limited by your training next month, next year, or in five years....?
  • like you can't figure out what other musicians are doing, and you're on the outside looking in?
  • even though people say you "sound great" you know you're just skating by?

If you want to overcome whatever’s been holding you back from being a more confident, versatile musician or teacher, click the button below for your free trial, provide your information, and hit “submit.”

You won’t pay a dime for 30 days. 

If you stay beyond 30 days, you’ll be billed $39.95 monthly (cancel anytime)

Creative Strings Academy Membership 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL
Creative Strings Academy Membership 1 MONTH FREE TRIAL
Creative Strings Academy Membership. Gain access to all of Christian Howes's 200+ online videos and materials! Try the first full month FREE - cancel at anytime.
Price: $57.00

Hear what members are saying

"Prior to the course I was always waiting and it wasn’t going anywhere. After meeting Chris, I have seen some big changes with a ‘let’s make sh*t happen’ attitude! In Melbourne I had my first summer as a consistent session musician. In Tokyo I decided to work on a solo project I never had courage to do before the course. Chris has completely changed the relationship between the violin and myself..."
Elle Shimada
Elle ShimadaPerformer/Producer/Composer (Tokyo and Melbourne)
"The workshop offered videos, feedback and mentors that responded to all my goals (accompaniment, techniques, soloing w harmonic knowledge, connecting my voice with my viola). Also there was an opportunity to connect & watch other attendees on their journeys."
Alva Anderson
Alva AndersonSinger and violist
"I am really excited to incorporate Chris' curriculum into my teaching. My high-school students LOVED it!"
Shana Hobin Stewart
Shana Hobin StewartHigh School Orchestra Teacher, NY
"There is literally no one I know who has studied the business of music more thoroughly than Christian. He’s not only a master musician; he’s one of the most knowledgeable people you’ll ever meet in learning how to make a living."
Joel Harrison
Joel HarrisonGuggenheim Recipient, Composer, Guitarist (NYC)
"It has been an ‘ear-opener’ for me as a classically trained free-lance professional orchestral violinist.  It has been humbling for me to realize how much I don’t know about harmony, rhythm, and ear training. Chris has encouraged me to find my “own voice” on the violin, inspired me to improvise away from the music stand, and to trust my own creativity.  Most of all, I have never had this much fun playing the violin!!  Chris has made a huge contribution to my musical life.” 
Belinda Swanson
Belinda SwansonNorth Carolina Symphony Orchestra
“My 3 teen daughters haven’t been that excited about practicing. But when they got done playing to your videos they were so excited that they could actually play along with Senorita and said how much fun you were… and they loved your encouraging comments during the videos. A Mom can only say so much! Way to go! “
Martha Hannaford
Martha HannafordFiddler/Vocalist, Concert Promoter and Instructor at Fiddle Bee
" You gave me the essential keys to understand how to improvise. And especially to dare to play, even if we don't know anything about jazz or the codes of improvisation. Everything you shared with us was clear and practical, I know what I have to work on and how I can practice. Thanks for your passion and the way you convey your knowledge and your experiences. " 
Flora Trivelli
Flora TrivelliViolin Teacher, Switzerland
“My students have never been more engaged in their work and my job satisfaction has doubled after this course as I have enjoyed making stronger connections with my students. I feel so much more invigorated by my work helping them develop their musicianship through their own creative voice. "
Austin Scelzo
Austin ScelzoMiddle School Orchestra Teacher
“Right from day 1 of the Creative Strings Workshop, the vibe was open, welcoming and encouraging, and Chris made it clear that it was all about each player going at their own pace, pushing themselves beyond their own comfort zones, and making new discoveries and connections in our own playing and this creative string community. I felt so supported and encouraged and I made so many friends and professional contacts in this “leave your ego at the door” environment.”
Sue Buzzard
Sue BuzzardOrchestra Director at Rockport Public Schools
"Thank you for an amazing and eye-opening experience. Chris's approach is always affirming and inspires the student to believe in their own potential and unique musical voice.
It's a wake-up call to everyone who says 'I can't improvise'. Whatever level you have reached 'technically'- whether amateur, teacher, performer- Chris' teachingg is life-changing, and will unlock your creativity through your instrumental voice."
Sally Beamish
Sally BeamishProfessional classical violinist & composer for theater, film & TV, "British Composer Award for Lifetime Achievement" recipient
"Thank you for this amazing journey on improvisation and creativity. I believe I have material I can practice on for the next 10 years!"
Kalina Jankova
Kalina JankovaMusic Entrepreneur & Educator, Sweden
"I'm so happy and relieved to have found a teacher that understands the frustrations of coming from a rigid classical background, and more importantly one who knows a way out into a wider world!!"
Sarah Cross
Sarah CrossViolinist, Netherlands
"The amount of knowledge gained in 7 weeks online boot camp far outpaced 2 weeks of daily attendance at more traditional jazz camps."
Michael McWilliams
Michael McWilliamsViolinist
"If you’re looking to master what it means to be a modern musician, this workshop is going to teach you everything from honing your improv skills to learning to play in multiple styles — think rock, jazz, blues, and more. You’ll learn how to be more adaptable in your musicianship, become your own accompanist, and meet other amazing players through live stream sessions. If you're a student, teacher, or performer who's looking for a way to explore your own voice in a new and meaningful way, consider this awesome opportunity."
Neil Gilfillan
Neil GilfillanSuzuki Cello Teacher
"The highly organized musical plan of being able to understand & play improvisational music with feeling via the live zoom sessions was both highly inspiring and challenging"
Michael Doucet
Michael DoucetSinger & Violinist
"Christian Howes provides a much needed bridge to classically trained musicians and others who want to expand their playing and begin to play within a more creative context.Bravo!"
Timothy Smith
Timothy SmithFiddler & Recording Artist
“The Creative Strings Workshop has been a game changer for me. In a short amount of time, I've made huge leaps forward in my playing and grown in confidence. I'm finding that I'm utilizing elements of what I've learnt in everything I do, from creating, to teaching and facilitating, to singing rhythmic patterns as I'm washing up!”
Fritha Jenkins
Fritha JenkinsAssociate Lecturer at the University of the Arts, London
"The course gave me a boost and reframed the way I approach my music career. I went from being passive, taking opportunities when they were offered, to focusing on my goals and reaching out directly to potential clients. By narrowing down the work I did and becoming confident in charging what I’m worth, I’ve significantly increased my annual income."
Andy Lentz
Andy LentzPerformer
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2024 © Christian Howes