Creative Strings Workshop | Asheville — 25th Anniversary
- 25th Anniversary
- 1,000+ Alumni
- 50 Expected Participants
A transformative Musical retreat for players & teachers
Celebrate 25 years of Creative Strings Workshops with Christian Howes & friends. We’re bringing everyone together for one consolidated week in Asheville, with 50 participants expected, combining technique, improvisation, and performance in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Join us in Summer 2027
Unique Session: July 4th – 9th.
- Study harmony, rhythm, improvisation, & related subjects.
- Jam and play in a range of styles of your choosing, including Folk/Fiddle, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Pop, and World music.
- Refine technique and gain practice motivation.
- Choose from a structured buffet of 1-1, small, and large group instruction
Hear from Participants
Faculty
The full 2027 faculty bill will be announced. Expected faculty include Christian Howes, Camille Vogley-Howes, Karl Henry, Chris Tate, Jason Anick, Austin Scelzo, and more. Faculty participation is subject to confirmation.
special guests
Past Faculty and Guest Artists
Austin Scelzo is a specialist in Bluegrass, Roots, and Country fiddle and was nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association for Mentor of the Year.
Lana is a versatile violinist, fiddler, bassist, and singer specializing in teaching instrumental technique, classical chamber music, old time music, and bluegrass.
Madelyn ilana is a violinist, singer-songwriter, and somatic practitioner, integrating experience in both the performing arts and the healing field.
Her teaching supports musicians in developing greater ease, expression, and creativity through the body. Drawing from her background as a somatic practitioner and martial artist, she weaves together Body Dialogue (including Breathing Coordination, Alexander Technique, and BodySoul Rhythms), along with qigong, yoga, and vocal toning practices to support nervous system regulation and creative flow.
Madelyn is certified in Body Dialogue, CranioSacral therapy, and Reiki energy healing, and is a certified clinical herbalist.
Her work invites musicians into a more integrated relationship with their bodies, their sound, and their creative voice.
More Past Faculty and Guest Artists
Past guest artists have included Hamilton Hardin, Jason Anick, Michael Jefry Stevens, and Chris Tate. The workshop welcomes players from many instrumental and vocal backgrounds.
Jason Anick is known for his expertise in jazz manouche and teaches harmony, improvisation, and musicianship at Berklee College of Music. Past guest artists have also included award-winning composer Michael Jefry Stevens and multi-styles cellist Chris Tate.
Hamilton Hardin is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and arranger known for his deep musical insight and wide stylistic range. Hamilton has taught at this workshop several times.
Plan Your Trip
Register
Save $300 off our regular $1,299 tuition with the $999 early bird tuition. Register below with a $250 deposit, which counts toward your early bird tuition. Your remaining $749 tuition balance is due May 1, 2027. Housing and meals are separate.
Choose Your Food and Housing
2027 housing and meal rates will be announced. The amounts below are last year’s rates; we expect 2027 rates to be very close.
Housing options:
Participants may book on-site through us or stay off-site. Last year’s on-site rate was $130 per room, per night for a standard room with two queen beds. Partners and families are welcome. You may share with another participant to split the room cost.
Food options:
You may eat meals on-site with us or make your own arrangements. Last year’s meal plans were:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner: $200
- Lunch and dinner only: $150
Dinners on two concert evenings are on your own. Final 2027 arrangements and rates will be confirmed.
Take breaks anytime. There are many options between large and small group classes, gentle and advanced, in many styles and topics. Since we have a small group, all participants get opportunities for 1-1 feedback from faculty.
Daily Schedule
8:45 am Breakfast
9:30 am Classes
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Classes
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Classes
9:00 Jams and relax
Performance Opportunities
Playlist
2:12:50
2:11:08
1:17:11
2:12:51
While Creative Strings has traditionally served violinists, violists, and cellists, we also welcome musicians from many instrumental and vocal backgrounds in this collaborative environment.
Immerse Yourself
Find focus and calm in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at Christmount Retreat and Conference Center
Our beautiful retreat site has plenty of space, plus easy access to mountain hikes, water holes, woods, rivers, and other attractions.
Stay on-site in a private or shared room with a mini-fridge, microwave, bathroom, wi-fi, and two queen beds.
Practice and rehearse in the many beautiful, comfortable, indoor and outdoor spaces.
Eat in the dedicated dining hall or outside near the garden.
Conveniently located just five minutes driving from the quaint historic downtown of Black Mountain, with breweries, coffee shops, and amazing food.
There are a plethora of mountain biking, hiking, and river experiences within 10-20 minutes’ drive, as well as Asheville’s downtown and arts districts.
Sunday to Friday — surround yourself with music, nature, and friends!
Local residents can commute if you choose.
Want professional development but don’t want to travel?
Take an online workshop instead.
Federal, state, and venue-based health and safety policies apply.
Transform your Musicianship
Connect with motivated players and teachers in a nurturing environment
Experience progress and accountability without vibing or negative judgment with the support of Christian, guest artists, and other participants.
Customizable
The focus is on YOUR goals
Personalized Instruction
1-1 feedback in an intimate setting
Unique
The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains; the convenienve of every amenity.
PAST Performances
In addition to tons of jamming/classes, we host optional public concerts.
Here are faculty & student highlights curated from past concerts.
Playlist
Register today
Join our 25th anniversary celebration, July 4–9, 2027. We’re consolidating to one week and expecting 50 participants.
Deposits are non-refundable except in the case of cancellation of the event by the organizers. Credit for future events may be granted in extenuating circumstances at the organizer’s discretion.
Need help? Schedule a call
If you are looking for the best summer music program, or asking “where can I find one of the best violin summer camps near me” you found it.
Creative Strings is a non-profit organization with a mission to support music education through outreach, summer conference, and online curriculum.
