Creative Strings Workshop

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Faculty Feature: Mike Barnett

Whether you’re a string player in high school, college, or a pro, the chance to work with Mike Barnett is one of the best reasons for you to come to the Creative Strings Workshop this July 3-8 in Columbus.

Rooted in Nashville and the rich history of bluegrass, and having later mastered modern jazz and other idioms, he has a totally unique sound and has performed at venues like the historic Grand Ole Opry, and more recently on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!

At the summer conference, we mix things up by putting you IN A BAND with artists like Mike. You’ll rehearse, arrange tunes together, and go out and make it happen on gigs all over town. It’s intensely awesome, fun, and it will arm you with confidence and skills to take your creative musicianship and career to the next level.

July 3 – July 9, 2016 | Columbus, Ohio

– Immerse yourself in small ensemble coaching, clinics, masterclasses, jams, and concerts spanning world music, jazz, rock, and fiddle styles.

– Rehearse and perform improvised music in small ensembles alongside master artists, with over 25 performances in different venues.
Scroll down to learn more and register!

Watch the video above to hear Christian discuss the workshop with This Week (Delaware, OH) in detail.

Who is Creative Strings Workshop for?

Creative musicians. Especially string players.

– Our full program (the “adult program”) includes intermediate to advanced players with beginner to expert improvisation skills ages 15-75. If you’re a pro, amateur, teacher (graduate credit available), fiddler, jazzer, teenager, retiree, student, or future rock star looking for 16-hour+ days full of music, you’ll fit right in.

– Our half-day program (the “youth program“) is for local middle school and high school students. It meets four hours per day and is subsidized to offer local students affordable, fun, summer enrichment. Click here for more info.

What sets it apart?

–Heavy interaction with amazing faculty in an intimate, nurturing environment. Rehearsing, performing, eating, learning, listening, jamming, partying, networking, and receiving mentoring from world-class artists around the clock.

–Community. Connect with players from around the world on inspired, creative paths, musically, personally, and professionally.

–Tailor made. We will help you tailor your experience according to your level and interests.

Travel, Food, and Lodging

The 2016 Creative Strings Workshop is set to be held near Columbus in Delaware, Ohio, July 3-9, 2016. The nearest airport is Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). We will provide shuttle rides to and from the airport. Camp is hosted at Ohio Wesleyan University. On-campus room and board is available and recommended. Arrive July 3rd before 4PM. Depart July 9th before noon.

Real rehearsals and performances

Take a peek at what really happens at the Creative Strings Workshop. The first video features one of our many ensembles performing in downtown Delaware at their monthly public outdoor festival, while the second video is footage from a large ensemble rehearsal led by Greg Byers.

Some great players swinging in Micah Thomas’s ensemble on his original arrangement. #creativestrings took over Delaware Main Street July 3rd

Posted by Christian Howes on Saturday, July 4, 2015

Cost for the Intensive (Adult) program:

Tuition only: $975

Tuition + food plan (no room): $1155

Tuition with shared room and board + food: $1325

Tuition with single room and board + food: $1450

Cost for the Youth program: $125

Adult program: A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to register. You may pay off the remaining balance prior to June 26. You may also purchase your tuition (and any room and board) in full. (See both options below)

Youth Program: Tuition is only $125. Please register below for the Youth program.

After registering, you will receive an email within the next 1-2 days confirming your registration. Once you finish registering via Paypal, it will redirect you to a page on this website that contains a form you need to fill out – please do not skip over that page!

CSW Adult Registration

Amount displayed below includes cost + Paypal transaction fees. To avoid transaction fees, you may send a check via the postal service. Email chris@christianhowes.com / call 614-332-8689 to inquire about this option.

Price: $0.00