It’s about you. I’ll explain…
My double degree came from a state university and the streets.
My violin probably cost less than yours.
I used to ask my mom to drop me down the block from youth orchestra rehearsal so other kids wouldn’t see our car.
I know what it feels like to be an underdog.
Bearing this in mind, the common denominator in every equation of your life is you
If so, you’re going to love my cutting-edge curriculum.
I’ll show you how to get playing more creatively TODAY.
Whether you want to progress in your musicianship, teaching, or career, ask yourself if progress:
1. requires you to gain new skills, resources, and capabilities, or
2. can be accomplished with things you already have and know
It’s easier to notice external factors than to look within and admit, “I haven’t been scheduling time to figure out how to practice a better way”, or “I haven’t set clear goals aligned with my vision, but I could and should”.
Get to know me via my blog, Youtube channel, podcast, or email list.
If you’d like to connect via phone, reach out
Musicians and Music Teachers: Schedule private coaching, join my weekly group guided practice sessions, or check out online tutorials and courses here.
Presenters: Engage me to perform, teach, or speak here
Freelance Musicians/Teachers & Creatives: Want to make money or improve your career? Explore my career mentoring services here.
Teachers– Book a residency at your school/studio. Get continuing education online or at a workshop.
Producers & Composers– Hire my team for string arranging and recording.
Arts & Education Enthusiasts: Get involved with nonprofit Creative Strings, to impact music education.
Anyone: Schedule a call with me here, or email chris@christianhowes.com
In August 2011, Christian was ranked as the #1 “Rising Star” violinist in the Downbeat Critics Poll and nominated for the Jazz Journalists Association’s “Violinist Of The Year”. In 2012, he was voted among the top three violinists in JazzTimes’ “Expanded Critics Poll“. The same year, he received the Residency Partner Award from Chamber Music America for his educational outreach with school orchestra programs. In 2013 he performed six nights under his own name at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Howes toured Ukraine (June 2014) and Montenegro (Spring 2015) at the invitation of the U.S. State Department, and in conjunction with the USArtists award from the Mid Atlantic Foundation.
After releasing a string of independent releases as a leader, he signed with Resonance Records in 2008 and released four critically acclaimed albums. The first, “Heartfelt”, featuring pianist Roger Kellaway, showcases ballads and lyrical works. “Out of the Blue,” released in 2010, features guitarist Robben Ford, and demonstrates a wide range of sensibilities steeped in the blues. His 2012 release, “Southern Exposure,” featuring accordionist Richard Galliano, draws from a Hispanic sphere of influence. “American Spirit” was released in 2015, garnering a “Best of 2015” recognition from the Huffington Post, among other critical acclaim. In 2001, he founded the Creative Strings Workshop and Festival, which convenes during the first week of July every year in Columbus, Ohio. Says Howes, “The Creative Strings Workshop and Festival offers string players from Columbus and around the world an opportunity to study improvisation, composition, and styles outside the realm of classical music, while bringing the city of Columbus a plethora of talent and musical energy.” The annual summer conference is now in its 17th year, and draws participants from all corners of the earth, and it has since expanded into satellite locations around the world. Six events will be held in 2019 in Switzerland, Toronto, Dallas, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Asheville, NC.Since 2007, he has also built an innovative online production business, which provides live string sections to music producers worldwide via a remote, collaborative orchestra.
His Music Biz Mastermind courses took hold in 2015 and are now offered several times annually, helping working musicians design their careers while growing their impact.
An active blogger, podcaster, and video content creator, he is frequently engaged to speak regarding music education and music business. He has worked with homeless, at-risk, and prison populations, as well as humanities departments at universities, incorporating diverse social causes and character education into his broad, inspirational message.Electric Violins & Strings:
Amplifiers: Acoustic models, including Fishman Loudbox, Acoustic Image, AER, Trace Elliot Acoustic
Effects Pedal: Boss ME-70
Loop Pedals: Boss RC-300 Loop Station or Ditto Stereo.
For gear-related questions, call my trusted source ElectricViolinShop at 919-806-3311.
Also see this video or listen to this podcast.