There are lot's of stories about how I got here and where it's all heading, most of which you can find on my blog, Youtube channel, podcast, or by joining 13,000 readers on my email list.
Learn about all the ways we can work together here
Are you a classically-trained musician but also interested in learning contemporary styles in improvisation? Get Christian's best teaching tips and resources directly to your inbox.
Weeklong music intensive and performances welcoming professionals, students, amateurs, and teachers of all ages
Tired of settling for less as a working musician? Let me help you attract more opportunities to increase your income and impact.
Creative Strings Academy
Become a more creative, versatile string player (or teacher) with online training and personalized feedback.
Increase your skill, opportunities, and impact.
A guest artist collaboration focused on contemporary styles, improvisation, and related subjects which balances educational substance with inspiration via classroom sessions and collaborative concerts.
Free ecourse
Free downloads related to improvisation and contemporary styles
creative strings podcast
Exploring intersections between creativity, music education, string playing, DIY music business, and culture
Have a Question for Me?
Latest news
Hamilton Hardin- Any Instrument, Any Genre; Fueled by Faith
Hamilton Hardin is a musical genius. -His album “Just Wanna Say” is one of the most impressive feats of musicianship I’m aware of, ever, anywhere. -Combining extensive audio clips from his recordings and insights into Hamilton’s musical process, this is one of the best podcast episodes we have produced. Listen to/bookmark the full 80-minute episode Read more about Hamilton Hardin- Any Instrument, Any Genre; Fueled by Faith[…]
9 Reasons for Classical Musicians to Go Beyond Classical Training
I love classical music and I respect classical musicians, but the culture of classical music education falls short in many ways and needs to change. Until it changes, classical musicians stand to gain by learning new skills outside the classical music world. Here are nine benefits that I’ve experienced by expanding on my classical training, Read more about 9 Reasons for Classical Musicians to Go Beyond Classical Training[…]
Crossing a River of Suck
You have to suck at something before you can be good at it. It’s at once obvious and confounding. This interview from the River of Suck podcast between Andy Reiner and Cedric Easton, recorded live from the Creative Strings Workshop in Columbus, perfectly wraps up the focus of the past season for me. Read on Read more about Crossing a River of Suck[…]
How to Become a Better & Happier Musician
If you’re frustrated by a sense that your musical growth is stuck, or if you fail to reach musical goals despite spending lots of time in the practice room, sit down with a pen and paper (not your instrument), and follow the steps below. After coaching hundreds of musicians and teachers in both musical and Read more about How to Become a Better & Happier Musician[…]
A Classical Musician’s Guide to Join the Band & Play Confidently in Unfamiliar Styles
Listen or read to discover, How to know when and what to play. How to avoid “writers block” (the feeling of having no idea where to start).
How to avoid getting “in a rut” ( stuck repeating the same few ideas) How to make the other musicians you work with feel comfortable and always want to call you back