Creative Strings Workshop | Asheville

A transformative Musical retreat for players & teachers

Join 30 passionate musicians for an intensive 5-day retreat combining technique, improvisation, and performance in a supportive, judgment-free environment w/ violinist Christian Howes & friends.

Join us in Summer 2027
Unique Session: July 4th – 9th.

Seasoned pros, teens, teachers, and adult learners with as little as 2 years playing experience are welcome. To learn more, email chris@christianhowes.com or schedule a free exploratory call.Teachers- meet core standards in improvisation, composition, arranging, and eclectic styles.

Hear from Participants

Faculty

Faculty and guest artist details for the July 4–9, 2027 workshop will be announced.

Camille Vogley-Howes

Karl Henry

Chris Tate

special guests

Past Faculty and Guest Artists

Austin Scelzo

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 Auerbach

Lana is a versatile violinist, fiddler, bassist, and singer specializing in teaching instrumental technique, classical chamber music, old time music, and bluegrass.

Madelyn ilana

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

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

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! Take advantage of our $999 Early Bird Price. Register below to secure your spot with just a $250 deposit.

Choose Your Food and Housing

Housing options:

Participants may book on-site through us or stay off-site.

On-site rates are per room, per night. Partners and families are welcome. Standard rooms, including two queen beds, are $130 per night. You have the option to share with another participant to split the cost of the room.

Food options:

You may eat meals onsite with us or eat off-site or on your own. We offer two meal plans for onsite meals:

breakfast/lunch/dinner – $200
lunch/dinner only – $150

Dinners on two concert evenings are on your own.

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

All participants are invited but not required to participate in a range of performances throughout, which also gives our event a “festival” vibe. See example press release

Playlist

4 Videos

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

9 Videos

Register today

Enrollment is limited to 30 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.