When I was 24, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra offered me a full-time position — the job I’d dreamed of since I was five.
But I turned it down.
Instead of joining the orchestra, I chose the uncertain path of becoming a creative, well-rounded musician — someone who could play in many styles, not just read from the page.
At the time, I didn’t know how to improvise. I couldn’t really “speak the language” of the rhythm section. I didn’t understand harmony well enough to jump in on a tune or support another player without written music.
And it showed.
I got mocked on stage. Told to sit out. Left waiting at jam sessions for hours while others played.
I bulldozed my way through many musical situations— often offending the very musicians I wanted to connect with.
I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I just knew I wasn’t there yet.
It took years of mistakes, mentors, and trial-by-fire experiences…
But eventually, I found my voice — and the skills I never learned in classical training.
I became one of the top-call improvising violinists in New York City, hired to tour worldwide with my musical heroes in many styles. I released 19 albums in my own name, played all the big venues, and won awards.
Berklee College of Music hired me to teach — and adopted my curriculum as the benchmark for string improvisation.
Then I made another big choice:
I left New York. I left Berklee. I left European tours and turned down more dream gigs.
To be a dad.
Today, I play with my kids, record for fun, pick and choose creative projects, and support musicians of all levels from around the world — through a method that helps you skip years of frustration and finally feel at home in your musical voice.
Maybe you’ve tried watching tutorials, practicing random licks, or following tips from every direction.
Maybe you’ve studied theory — or avoided it altogether — and still feel stuck when it comes to harmony and improvisation.
Maybe you’ve assumed, “If I just listen more and try harder, I’ll get it.”
But the truth is:
→ Many musicians are practicing too many of the wrong things — or in the wrong order — and making very little real progress.
Even if you’ve been told you have a “good ear,” you may still struggle to:
That’s not your fault — traditional training leaves huge gaps because it’s only designed to teach you to one thing:
play prescribed parts.
What works? How to go from playing prescribed melodies to make music in more varied ways?
→ A structured process that builds a total understanding of musical forms in tandem with technique — so you’re not just playing notes… you’re understanding the music from a creator’s viewpoint.
The most common mistake I see:
Musicians focus on the micro-nuances of style, rather than the things all styles share in common.
True musical fundamentals- harmony, groove, arrangement- apply to virtually any style of music.
That’s what I’ll help you with in this course, and with it, the remaking of your musicianship.
So… are you ready to stop feeling like you’re just reading notes or repeating memorized licks?
Ready to finally understand music — to improvise, groove, accompany, create, and truly function in the styles that inspire you?
In Creative Strings Accelerator, you’ll:
→ Gain comfort with harmony, groove, arranging, and improvisation
→ Build real fluency in genres like Folk, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Pop, EDM, Americana, and more
→ Transform how you practice (or teach) music — with structured, play-along sessions that make progress fun and tangible
→ Develop the confidence to get off the sidelines and start initiating, collaborating, and leading
→ And most importantly… start trusting that you are enough — no more chasing external validation, just a deeper connection with music
Whether you’re a passionate hobbyist, a frustrated teacher, or a working musician ready to go further — this is your invitation.
The Accelerator gives you a structured, hands-on system to grow- fast. You’ll gain the skills most traditional training leaves out, with a focus on application, not just theory.
Here’s how we do it:
Sync with the rhythm section in different styles — so your timing feels confident and musical, not mechanical or random.
Improvise freely over harmonies using accessible frameworks. You’ll train your ears and your mind to respond with clarity — no more guessing or relying on licks.
Crack the code of chords, progressions, and harmonic movement — so you can hear, understand, and respond in real time. These “cheat codes” make harmony accessible, even if theory has felt overwhelming before.
Build your creative muscles with simple, repeatable structures. These “elemental forms” help you improvise with freedom and shape musical ideas — even if you’ve struggled to sound unique or break out of a rut.
Go beyond soloing. Learn to complement others, arrange on the fly, and add value to any ensemble — even without rehearsal.
A week of live sessions in January with Chris & Noa to help you finish, implement, and build productive habits in community.
Special classes taught by some of my favorite teachers— to help you go deeper in the genres and approaches that speak to you.
Want more gigs, clients, or students? This special session can help you attract opportunities.
If you’re an educator, you’ll get ways to engage students, meet theory, improv, and SEL standards, and foster lifelong learning.
Bonus #5: EFT Tapping for Musicians
Practical tools to reduce anxiety from certified EFT practitioner and musician Evan Gregor
If you studied at a conservatory, you’d pay thousands per semester.
At Berklee — where I used to teach — it’s tens of thousands.
But Creative Strings Accelerator gives you:
→ Dozens of hours of live and recorded training
→ A repeatable method to transform your musicianship
→ Personalized feedback and coaching
→ Lifetime access to materials
→ And over $1,000 worth of bonuses (Noa’s course, guest sessions, co-working week, and more)
All for a fraction of the cost.
Your price today: $497
Your purchase includes EVERYTHING below. Your +1 guest receives the full Standard plan as well.
18 full-length classes — $800 value
A comprehensive system for harmony, groove, improvisation, arranging, rhythm, forms, creativity, and musicianship.
4 specialty classes — $357 value
Genre-fluency sessions in jazz, folk, world, Latin, pop, and more.
EFT • Teaching Applications • Entrepreneurship — $271 value
$340 value
Fast-paced guided practice (you’ll play 90% of the time and can ask questions live and get feedback on your playing at the end of class). Live classes take place between December 15 and January 31, with at least three classes scheduled at times friendly to Europe, and three scheduled for Australia. All classes will be scheduled at times conducive to USA/CAN, between 10 am and 9 pm US Eastern Time.
$200 value
Fun, immersive 90-minute guided practice mini-workshop to get you set up for success with the foundations of my method.
Available after purchase via a link in your confirmation email.
Premium applies only to the purchaser (not the guest).
$150 value
Submit videos anytime → get personalized guidance inside the private members community.
First month included, then $57/month (cancel anytime).
Ongoing guided practice, coaching, and accountability.
$200+ value
Includes all of the following:
Upgrade after checkout for $57/month (cancel anytime)
Want to split up? Full flexibility to continue your learning without straining your budget.
🎻 Players
→ Amateurs or pros who want to move beyond reading or memorization
→ Adult learners returning to their instruments
→ Folk musicians who want to back up others or add variety
→ Jazz-curious players tired of repeating the same licks
→ Classically trained musicians craving more creativity
→ Teens and college students pursuing a fulfilling path in music
🎓 Teachers
→ Want to teach beyond the page and reach every student
→ Need tools to boost engagement, creativity, and inclusion
→ Value SEL, theory, and representation in their curriculum
This work supports beginners and concertmasters alike — and creates space for everyone to find their voice.
Grace Law- 30 year veteran Orchestra teacher and founder of Smart String Teacher said:
“Chris makes improvisation clear, simple, and fun. He will show you 3 approaches to getting started in improvisation that will work immediately, whether you teach beginner or advanced.
You’ll be able to easily adapt what he does for your students.
Personally, I love watching Chris teach because of his holistic approach. He naturally incorporates self-awareness of body and mind into his teaching. He’s not just a teacher; he’s a coach.
That’s a valuable skill you’ll want to take on with your students too.”
You’ll play 90% of each class, (whether live or recorded).
Like a Yoga or Fitness class, modifications are provided in most exercises, with choices tailored for advanced or intermediate players.
Gain the ability to compose, arrange, and improvise over tonal chord progressions in any style. Apply the skills to your own projects, like arranging your own covers, writing your parts in a band, or accompanying your students.
Includes:
Start creating your own music immediately-no theory necessary. Includes:
After spending ten minutes with this module, you will be improvising freely. Guaranteed. Many members record 5-20 improvisations every day using this module alone.
How to use bebop scales to play fast, burning lines over jazz and other styles.
Dive into melodic minor for a Gypsy Jazz or modern sound.
Perform beautiful melodies in these gentle, accessible, Brazilian styles.
Internalize rhythms, scales, forms, and a few key secrets that no one else will teach you.
Master the anatomy of rock licks and style. Jam out to piees like “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix
Learn tunes by ear or by sheet music. Learn how to apply stylistic bowings or how to accompany, solo, and chop if you want.
Learn to improve using modes. Useful for rock, blues, fiddle styles, jazz and more..
Learn how to incorporate harmony, rhythm, and improv into your technical warm-ups for big gains in less time.
Develop your sense of groove in styles beyond classical
Teachers will have at least one dedicated session for Implementing my frameworks into the private studio or classroom.
We will also make available to you strategies for flipping your classroom:
Most teachers are working harder teaching online. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Learn the exact online teaching strategies I’ve used for 12 years by restructuring your teaching to
You will learn (amongst other things):
5 easy steps to “Flip Your Classroom”. Instead of teaching lessons live and giving homework, students learn the lesson at home, from a piece of media, and then you help them refine and improve live
The Ripple Effects of Flipping the Classroom
There are 5 steps, which when combined, make flipping your classroom or studio optimal, using only free technologies that everyone knows.
When you do these things, you will:
If teaching online or offline feels hard, don’t miss this opportunity to flip your classroom or studio. Even one or two small changes can make a big difference in your time saved as well as impact you make on students.
Entrepreneurs: I’ll show you the tactics and strategies I use to
Community: See What Others Are Working On (Premium Members)
The Accelerator live classes will occur between December 15- January 31st.
You and your +1 guest will also receive the self-paced course, including dozens of hours of pre-recorded epic classes valued at over $1,000 which you (and a friend) can keep forever .
Between December 15 and January 31st, SIX Live Zoom Play-Along Classes are spread out with a minimum of three classes scheduled at 7 pm EST (good for USA, CAN, and Australia/Asia), and a minimum of three classes scheduled at 10 or 11 am (good for US/CAN, and Europe).
You will get access to all replays, so there’s no worries if you miss a live session.
Premium plan buyers receive personal feedback in our private forum and a free private lesson.
An immersive, online training program designed to help players of any instrument master improvisation, harmony, arranging, and functional musicianship in eclectic music styles. Through structured lessons, live play-alongs, and personalized feedback, you’ll learn to develop as a musician, boost your creative confidence, and broaden your stylistic versatility.
This program is ideal for instrumentalists of all levels with minimum two years playing experience. Whether you’re a teacher, performer, or hobbyist, the Accelerator is designed to support you in going past playing prescribed parts, to make music in more varied ways and feel more empowered in your musical practice.
The Accelerator includes live classes, play-alongs, and Q&A sessions, plus access to recordings and exercises to review at your own pace. Each module focuses on core skills for eclectic instrumental playing, including improvisation, harmony, arranging and rhythm, with examples in a wide range of styles from Latin, Jazz, Folk/Fiddle/Americana, R&B, etc. ensuring you progress steadily and effectively.
By joining, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, including interactive live classes, play-alongs, and an exclusive community of supportive musicians. Additionally, you’ll receive expert guidance from Christian Howes and have opportunities to work through real-time feedback that helps deepen your understanding and skill.
The program runs from December 15th until January 31st.
Six live Zoom play-along classes are spread throughout, with pre-recorded lessons provided in between. Each group play-along includes time for one-on-one coaching at the end of the session.
A minimum of three live Zoom sessions will be offered at times friendly to Europe (typically at 10 or 11 am US Eastern time).
A minimum of three live Zoom sessions will be offered at times friendly to Australia/Asia (typically 7 pm US Eastern time.)
The Premium package includes one 30-minute private lesson with Christian valued at $150. For a more personalized, results-focused experience, you may opt for 1-1 sessions and asynchronous support directly with Christian Howes. This coaching package supports teachers, entrepreneurs, or musicians with a practice focus and is priced at a premium. Inquire to apply for coaching by emailing chris@christianhowes.com.
Yes, we offer two tiers of pricing to meet different needs:
The standard pricing level entitles you to bring a Plus One. Once you buy, you will give us the email address of your plus one and they will receive the same access to the course.
We also offer an Installment Plan to break the $297 standard purchase into four monthly payments.
All live sessions are recorded, so you’ll have full access to watch replays at your convenience. This allows you to revisit lessons as often as needed and ensures you don’t miss out on valuable content.
Not at all! The program is designed to cater to all levels. Whether you’re new to improvisation or already have some experience, the Accelerator provides a supportive environment to build or enhance your skills.
You can join directly through this page by selecting your preferred payment option and following the signup instructions. Once you’re registered, you’ll receive details about the upcoming classes and access to all program resources.
→ Feeling lost with improvisation or unfamiliar styles
→ Not knowing what to play without sheet music
→ Practicing aimlessly or repeating the same warmups
→ Avoiding new collaborations out of fear or doubt
→ Settling for gigs (or teaching habits) that feel limiting
→ Comparing your playing instead of enjoying your progress
These are the challenges I faced, too — and I built the Accelerator to save you decades of trial and error.
You are creative. You are enough. And you deserve tools that help you make music with joy.
Want to split up? Full flexibility to continue your learning without straining your budget.
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