Creative Strings ACCELERATOR
Go past playing prescribed parts to make music in more varied ways.
December /January
Transform your musicianship (in two weeks.)
There’s more to music than reading from a page or playing memorized parts.
It’s like the difference between knowing:
-how to drive a car vs how to fix a car…
-how to have a child vs having a deep relationship with a child…
-how to eat food vs how to make food.
If music is your calling and you want to have a deeper relationship with music, to be a truly functional musician, it only requires that you change your practice and focus on different fundamentals.
This course will give you those fundamentals, transforming how you practice (or teach) music.
You’ll gain skills transferable to any style from Roots, Americana, R and B, Pop, EDM, Rock, Jazz, World, Latin music and more.
So you can finally speak the same language as the rhythm section.
Harmony, Improvisation, Groove, Arranging, aka Functional Musicianship
For teachers and players of all levels (minimum playing experience 2 years)
In two weeks, transform your practice, leading to:
Confidence and motivation to get off the sidelines, so musicians call you to play and you feel more comfortable in your skin.
More productive, efficient, enjoyable practice
Escape the desire for external validation and discover that you are enough exactly as you are now.
How It Works
After 4 years with 500+ graduates….our 7-week cohort is accelerated for your convenience:
– Play along in Live (and recorded) Guided Practice Sessions
-Short & sweet
– Additional Prerecorded classes curated by styles, levels, and topics
– Q&A and Replays for every session
– Convenient for all schedules and time zones
Insane Value
Two for One: Buy one ticket, bring a plus one friend (so you’re motivated to get it done).
– We will host the session TWICE: attend either/both for no additional cost.
***
DoES this Sound Like You?
Players
Amateurs, experienced students, and elite performers who want to go past only playing melodies from the page, by ear, or by memorization.
Gain structure and comfort in improvisation, harmony, & groove in eclectic styles.
Adult learners: Why be relegated to playing prescribed parts when you can create freely, in a band, jam session, or by yourself.
Participants include adult learners who began playing in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
Folk Musicians
who want to improvise, play backup, or add more variety to your playing
Jazz and Jazz-Curious players who want clear ways to practice without playing the same few licks.
Classically Trained Musicians
Amateur or elite performers who have always wanted to go beyond the technicalities of the instrument to explore deeper musicianship in any nonclassical styles.
Teens and College Students
Whether you’re pursuing college, a career in music or just want a fulfilling lifelong hobby.
Teachers
Teach skills relevant to your students. Support the Last Chair Second VIolin as much as your concertmaster. Increase engagement, promote diversity, encourage Social EMotional learning, and meet standards in theory, composition.
Most of us were only taught how to play music from notation. As a result, improvising and playing in other styles can be foreign and scary.
I don’t want those limitations for my or your students. That’s why I am so excited to bring you these methods.
Teaching beyond the page opens students to a diversity of musical styles. It embodies the relevance and representation that we all strive for.
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 students.
You’ll also 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.”
I’m Christian Howes.
I help amateur and professional musicians (and teachers) solve these problems:
- Feeling discomfort with improvisation or new styles of music.
- Not knowing, remembering, or hearing the chords to songs
- Having No idea what to play without written music or a memorized melody .
- Unsure how to organize, moment to moment, what to practice beyond the same classical warmups, etudes, written melodies, or transcribed solos.
- Reluctant to initiate new musical collaborations
- Settling for gigs you don’t want when you’re qualified for ones you do.
- Teachers: Your students are bored, struggling to practice, or not being served in other ways, but you’re currently at a loss for how to help them.
- No idea how to accompany others
- A tendency to procrastinate around practicing, or unfavorably compare your musicianship instead of appreciating and enjoying your abilities.
Learn in TWO weeks what it took me decades to learn through trial and error
The making of a method
At age 24 (in 1996), I was faced with a critical decision when the Columbus Symphony Orchestra offered me a full-time position:
“Do I accept the security that comes with this gig, or free lance in hopes of building a career as an independent, creative well-rounded musician?”
I’d be giving up the job I had worked for since I was 5 years old-
a dream job-
growing up, I watched my teachers- idols- play in that Symphony and hoped to someday get that job.
But playing under my own name at restaurants and bars offered things the orchestra couldn’t:
-the freedom to play jazz, folk, latin, pop, or any kind of music I wanted
– skills like improvisation, harmony, and the ability to write original music
– connection with musicians from different backgrounds who thought about music differently and could help me expand my perspective
– the possibility to take control of my career by gaining my own gigs, clients, audience, students, and ultimately- flexibility to do what I want with my time.
The Symphony was a dream job.
ONE job that a person could have for 20,30,40 years, and then retire.
Most people would do almost anything for that job.
But as an INDEPENDENT freelance musician, if I worked hard, I could tour, record, teach, and maybe even solo with orchestras.
I respectfully declined the position.
Playing violin in many styles was novel in 1996.
Except I didn’t want to just be a novelty. I wanted to feel on par with the rhythm section and speak their language.
Struggling to fit in, I saw that they had skills I hadn’t received via classical training.
I built a thriving career in Columbus, Ohio, playing under my own name, bringing in guests from NYC, playing as much as I wanted …
Then I left for NYC.
I kept joining bands, from R&B to Bluegrass, Latin, Jazz.
Each time I met a new community of musicians, I wondered and doubted if I could gain their respect.
I bulldozed ahead, often oblivious to my mistakes- that sometimes offended and pushed away the very musicians I wanted to accept me.
I was
Mocked by musicians onstage
Told to do a two-step and play cowbell.
Made to sit at jams for hours without being invited to play.
Many of these misunderstandings could have been avoided if I simply asked the right questions:
-how to practice efficiently
-when and what to play, vs when to lay out
I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
With the help of mentors l gained skills, a personal voice, and self-acceptance.
I finally realized that I am creative, and I am enough.
I became one of the Top-Call Improvising Violinists in New York City.
I was called for every type of gig in which a violinist was required to do something other than JUST read music:
-R&B, Jazz, Rock Fusion, Bluegrass, Celtic, World Music, Pop, Singer Songwriters, Avante Garde, composers’ orchestras, hip hop artists…
-Playing Electronic Dance Music with DJ’s in fancy NY clubs…
-Recording and arranging strings for hundreds of albums, films, and commercials.
Berklee College of Music hired me and used my curriculum in 2008 (which they still use to this day).
I began to take teaching seriously.
I quit Berklee on good terms. (Yes, I quit the job at Berklee. )
I left New York.
I got every dream gig there was and left them all, for one reason:
to be a Dad.
I’m all in on teaching. I’m happy playing violin with my kids, recording myself on YouTube and Instagram.
I’ve got nothing left to prove. I’ve made 19 albums and won pretty much every award and gig there is.
I like being a Dad, husband, and teacher.
For years I improved my curriculum and teaching.
I taught this cohort over 16 times, with 500 graduates. 270 students are members of my regular guided practice sessions, and they STAY because they love it.
You know why?
I came to see all my students as perfect.
I built a method to help them save decades of frustration-
A method that will help you learn the skills you weren’t given before-
a method to help you overcome your own feelings of lack, and escape the desire for external validation.
At age 24 (in 1996)I was faced with a critical decision when the Columbus Symphony Orchestra offered me a fulltime violin position:
“Do I accept the gig, and the security that comes with it, or free lance at restaurants, clubs, and parties while building an independent recording and performing career as an Improvising Violinist?”
I’d be giving up the dream orchestra gig I had worked for since I was 5 years old-
a dream job-
growing up, I watched my teachers- idols- play in that Symphony and hoped to someday get that job.
But playing under my own name at restaurants and bars offered a few things the orchestra couldn’t
– the freedom to play music I wanted
-the option to hire great (nonclassical) musicians I could play and learn from
-to play jazz, folk music, latin music,
– to learn improvisation, harmony, and write/perform my own music
– with musicians from different backgrounds who thought about music differently and had different skills than classical musicians
-to be able to develop totally new skills practicing on the gig.
– the possibility to take control of my career by gaining gigs and lots of clients, my own audience, students, etc., so that i would have flexibility to try different things.
The Symphony was a dream job.
it was also ONE job that a person would have for 20,30,40 years, and then retire. There’s nothing wrong with that.
But as an INDEPENDENT freelance musician, if i worked hard, I could tour, record, teach, and maybe even solo with orchestras.
Playing violin in many styles was novel in 1996.
Except I didn’t want to just be a novelty. I wanted to feel on par with other musicians in bands and speak their language.
Struggling to fit in, I saw that they had skills I hadn’t received via classical training: groove, harmony, arranging, composition, a system for understanding when/what/how to play…
I moved to NYC and kept joining bands, from R&B to Bluegrass, Latin, Jazz…
Each time I met a new community of musicians, I doubted whether I had the musical ability to gain their respect.
I bulldozed ahead, often oblivious to mistakes I made- sometimes that offended and pushed away the very musicians I wanted to accept me.
I was
Mocked by musicians onstage behind my back
Told to do a two-step and play cowbell.
Made to sit at jams for hours without being invited to play.
Many of these misunderstandings could have been avoided if I simply asked the right questions or had received the right type of guidance
how to practice efficiently
when and what to play when I wasn’t given Prescribed parts like in an orchestra
I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
With the help of mentors in many musical situations l gained skills, a personal voice, and self-acceptance.
I finally realized that I am creative, and I am enough.
I became one of the Top-Call Improvising Violinists in New York City.
I was called for Every type of gig in which a violinist was required to do something other than JUST read music.
R&B, Bebop, Modern Jazz, Rock Fusion, Bluegrass, Celtic Jazz Fusion, World Music, Pop, Singer Songwriters, Avante Garde, fringe composers’ orchestras, improvising string quartets playing with hip hop artists…
Playing with DJ’s to EDM in NY clubs…
Recording and arranging strings for hundreds of albums, films, and commercials.
Berklee College of Music hired me and added my curriculum to their Required Proficiencies for all string department students in 2008 (which they still use to this day).
Since 2001, when i began hosting the Creative Strings Workshop summer retreat in Columbus, Ohio, I began to take teaching seriously- with a mission to change the culture of classical music.
Every year I added to my curriculum and learned important lessons on teaching.
I came to see that all my students are perfect.
I built a method to help other string players save decades of frustration-
A method that will help you learn the skills you weren’t given before, but more importantly, teach you to overcome your own feelings of LACK.
Hear From Participants
...exactly what I needed to get to my next level of satisfaction.
This course was Life Changing
Course Details
Guided practice- Not Boring Lectures
Attend fast-paced live guided practice sessions and finely curated pre-recorded classes
Show up & play along. You’ll play 90% of each class ( 45+ minutes).
Like a Yoga or Fitness class, modifications are provided in every exercise to suit your level of advancement.You’ll be muted, and can leave camera on or off.
Edited Prerecorded Sessions to get you caught up on specific skills and topics or styles including:
-groove and rhythm exercises
-structured improvisation
-Harmony cheat codes
Dedicated opportunities for Q and A and to receive or observe 1-1 coaching in front of the group.
Bonus optional coaching for Teaching-specific or Freelancing-specific questions.
We’ll meet 5 times live in 2 weeks, in short and sweet sessions of 45 minutes, with most topics being offered TWICE, so you can select the sessions that make the most sense for your schedule and time zone.
With choices of additional prerecorded workouts for advanced or intermediate
You’ll get all you need if you come to five sessions, but are welcome to come to all. You will have access to all replays for one year.
" The highly organized musical plan... to understand and play improvisational music with feeling via the live zoom sessions was both highly inspiring and challenging."
Personal Feedback
Post your work - receive feedback
"This workshop has shown me how to get out of all-my-improvs-sound-the-same rut. Content is well-explained in videos, meetings, & invaluable comments on my own uploaded videos."
Skills to exponentially expand your musicianship
Click on a topic below for more info
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:
- Play Along lessons in different formats
- A printable workbook so you can work away from your computer or instrument.
- Backing tracks in multiple styles
- Visual diagrams which will help you to always choose the “right notes” from minute one. If you’re classically trained, this will change the way you see harmony forever.
Start creating your own music immediately-no theory necessary. Includes:
- practice along lessons with clear guidelines in different styles and grooves
- clear prompts
- A list of 100 ideas for free improvisations
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.
Record composed or improvised performances to backing tracks in various styles. These are great “mini projects” for you or your students.
1. Music Styles
- Advanced Jazz Harmony
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.
Master blending pentatonic scales together to make your lines sound richer in Blues and related styles.
- Bossa and Samba
Perform beautiful melodies in these gentle, accessible, Brazilian styles.
- Blues
Internalize rhythms, scales, forms, and a few key secrets that no one else will teach you.
- Rock
Master the anatomy of rock licks and style. Jam out to piees like “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix
2. Fiddle
Learn tunes by ear or by sheet music. Learn how to apply stylistic bowings or how to accompany, solo, and chop if you want.
3. Modal Improv
Learn to improve using modes. Useful for rock, blues, fiddle styles, jazz and more..
4. Efficient Practice
Learn how to incorporate harmony, rhythm, and improv into your technical warm-ups for increased gains in less time.
5. Rhythmic Internalization
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
- save time
- teach better
- make more money if you work for yourself.
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
- Private teachers gain the ability to charge much more for your time if you work for yourself.
- If you’re a classroom teacher with a salary, you can be more present to the things you want the most for your students; and take care of yourself better.
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:
- reduce overwhelm
- be able to charge much more (if you work for yourself)
- easily manage more students
- attract new students and clients
- focus on higher level values and evolution of your studio or program as a whole
- cover more standards or objectives
- personalize to a wider range of levels
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
- Escape the feast-or-famine cycle.
- Attract a more consistent stream of projects, clients, and income.
- Have more time and energy to devote to other things you care about, like music, self-care, and time with loved ones.
- Gain clarity and confidence to take action on things that serve your vision and align with your values.
You’ll have access to extensive cutting edge curriculum. While you can access some of the curriculum by purchasing our DIY courses, the structure, personal attention, and community of this guided bootcamp is set up to ensure you get it done.
See What Other Participants are Working On
Look at Music differently
Practice habits that save time and redefine your musical possibilities
Whether you’re a hobbyist, freelancer, or teacher, we’ll curate a path that is highest-yielding for your goals.
You’ll be supported by a structured curriculum, personal feedback, community, and accountability.
The result for you:
– More joy in your practice
– More skill, versatility, understanding and capability
– Less stuckness, fear and procrastination
"My students have never been more engaged... I've been listening to 130
of my students submit creative projects this week. Acapella,
Soundtrap, live performances, music videos, iMovie/Wevideo duos, Karaoke, Free improvisations, Original tunes..I feel so much more
invigorated helping them develop musicianship through
their own creative voice."
"Prior to the course I was always waiting & it wasn’t going
anywhere. After meeting Chris, in Melbourne I had my first summer as
a consistent session musician. In Tokyo I decided to work on a solo
project, which I never had the courage to do before. Chris has
completely changed my relationship with the violin."
"The workshop responded to all
my goals (accompaniment, techniques, soloing w harmonic knowledge,
connecting my voice with my viola). Also... the opportunity to
connect & watch other attendees on their journeys."
What It Looks Like
The Accelerator will occur over two weeks TWICE.
Enroll in the first session, and attend the second free.
Session A: December 7-21
Session B: January 2-16
Engage in daily practice challenges, a consistent feature of our two-week cycle, to enhance your skills.
5 Live Zoom Play-Along Classes are spread out, with short optional pre-recorded lesson provided in between. *** Each class reserves time after the 45-minute group play-along for one-on-one coaching.
Session A: Sat, Weds, Sat, Weds, Sat at 10 am EST
Session B:
Thurs, Sun, Thurs, Sun, Thurs at 7 pm EST
Bonus Sessions:
- Teacher Training
- Entrepreneurship
- EFT Tapping
Curated lessons will be pre-recorded, and provided
to study prior to the 2 week cycle, in between the two cycles, or after they’re finished::
Bluegrass, Country, and Roots music
Jazz (early to modern)
R and B, Pop, and Rock
Rhythm
Harmony
Technique
Song and Tune breakdowns
What’s this Worth?
Compare to conservatory, where the most affordable programs are priced at a few thousand dollars per semester.
Schools like Berklee, where I taught, cost tens of thousands per semester.
Consider whether other options can offer you:
- this level of expertise,
- personalized feedback
- for even close to this price.
The next several years will be dedicated to internalizing your zoom classes and the handbooks. The amount of knowledge gained in 7 weeks far outpaced 2 weeks of daily attendance at more traditional jazz camps
I wish that I could have taken a course liket his when I was in college Christian demonstrates on his violin with ease, explains things clearly, gives individual feedback, there's plenty to review, and he does it all with a philosophy of inclusion and encouragement.
LEAN IN.
When I declined the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in 1996, it positioned me to become:
- TOP-call improvising violinist in NYC
- Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music
- Online teaching pioneer
- Recording artist
- Independently tour, produce festivals, and build a huge online teaching impact
By deciding that your musical development is worth investing in, you’ll be able to:
- Connect with a wider range of musicians
- Share your music and teaching with confidence
- Attract opportunities
- Appreciate yourself for being the beautiful musician you are, with NO regrets.
In short, you’ll be ready to thrive on your own terms
PRICING
The Most Affordable Cohort We’ve Ever Offered
Standard
Get it Done
$275
-
Access to Live Zoom Classes
-
Access to Zoom Class Replays
-
Opportunity to Receive Feedback During Live Zoom Classes
-
Access to Private Facebook Group and Premium Course Materials
-
Unlimited Asynchronous Feedback
-
Private Lessons
Premium
$332
-
(includes a private lesson and unlimited 1-1 asynchronous reviews in our private members FB Group.
-
$57 will be applied as a recurring subscription to our private members community. Cancel anytime.
-
Access to Live Zoom Classes
-
Access to Zoom Class Replays
-
Opportunity to Receive Feedback During Live Zoom Classes
-
Access to Private Facebook Group and Premium Course Materials
-
Unlimited Asynchronous Feedback
don't you have the full amount? try installments
FAQ:
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 expansive musical practice.
The Accelerator includes weekly 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, and rhythm, 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 in two-week cycles:
- Session A: December 7-21
- Session B: January 2-16
In each cycle, you’ll engage in daily practice challenges to build skills consistently. Five live Zoom play-along classes are spread throughout each session, with optional pre-recorded lessons provided in between. Each 45-minute group play-along includes time for one-on-one coaching at the end of the session.
- Session A Schedule: Saturdays and Wednesdays at 10 am EST (Sat, Weds, Sat, Weds, Sat)
- Session B Schedule: Thursdays and Sundays at 7 pm EST (Thurs, Sun, Thurs, Sun, Thurs)
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:
- Standard: $197 (if you sign up today)
- Premium: $254 (if you sign up today)
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.
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.