Free Downloads

Ultimate Scale Resource– Think, “Flesch, Galamian, and Kreutzer for contemporary players“. Scales provided in extended range for violin, viola, and cello in all twelve keys. The forward explains how to optimize scale practice to develop harmonic fluency.

(Sells normally for $19.95)

 Ultimate Arpeggio Resource: Commonseventh chords are provided in all inversions for violin, cello, and viola, in all keys. The forward outlines how to use this book to expand your harmonic vocabulary and improvise with greater comfort and ease.

(Sells normally for $19.95)

The 70-page Violin Harmony Handbook is packed with practice exercises, a chord glossary, and solo transcriptions. It’s like Paganini for improvisers.

(Sells normally for $29.95)

Increase Income & Impact Teaching Online in 2 Weeks

Learn the exact online teaching strategies I’ve used for 12 years to make a bigger impact and income, while working less hours.

Price: Click below for details

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About me, Christian Howes:

Classically trained from age 5, I became hungry for new challenges in my teens.

That curiosity helped me develop the skills to go beyond classical, the freedom to be creative, and insights to teach others.

While an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, my work was adopted and is still used, as required study for all string majors.

I decided to create an affordable way for string players to receive my training.

I’ve taught classes at Juilliard, Eastman, Oberlin, Miami, and hundreds of colleges, schools, and conferences while refining this online platform and hosting retreats worldwide.

Players who credit my teaching as an influence include:

Michael Doucet (Grammy-winning Cajun fiddler), Aubrey Haney (Acclaimed Nashville Session Fiddler )

Leah Zeger (Hans Zimmer), Alex Hargreaves (Chris Thile), Andrea Whitt (Shania Twain & Zucchero Farinacci)

Mike Barnett (Ricky Skaggs), Jeremy Kittle (Turtle Island Quartet), & more…

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You’ll get:

Immediate access to all courses.

A link to schedule a free private lesson

Access to personal feedback from me monthly via email or video exchange

A World of Improvisation, Contemporary Styles, & Related Subjects

You might be thinking, “I’ve already studied theory!”

Because of our training, most classical players struggle to hear and apply harmony. 

We improvise inconsistently if at all.

Since we already know how to play our instrument, we’re led to assume wrongly:

“If I just listen and try harder, I’ll get it.”

Another common mistake is to practice too many new things at once.

 I encourage you to separate practice into three pillars:

– Harmony
– Stylistic & Rhythmic Forms
– Creative Processes

Since this is based on fundamentals, you’ll gain the ability to adapt your playing to many styles without memorizing licks or obsessing over stylistic nuances.

Busting the Myth of “Having a Good Ear”

Like most Suzuki kids, I was proud of my ability to learn melodies by ear.

I didn’t realize how limited my ears were until I joined a rock band in high school and discovered that I could not recognize:

•  notes below the register of the violin
•  chords
•  melodies that were different than classical

When I combined listening with reading, my ears developed faster.

I had just needed to know what to listen to and look for.

How to Visualize Harmony on a String Instrument:

I struggled to apply harmony on the violin fingerboard.

Then I discovered that visualizing it on paper could speed up the process, like training wheels on a bike.

I developed a visual aid for this. like a diagram. 

The diagram shows all the points of connection in the chord progressions.  By reading along with it, and applying a few exercises, you’ll never look at harmony the same way again. 

This is all in my course, “Easy Tonal Improvisation”.  

The course sells for $69, but you can access it (and all my courses) with your membership.

Once you understand the framework of Easy Tonal Improvisation, I’ll show you:

– the quickest ways to memorize harmony without the diagram.

– the ultimate scale and arpeggio resources for violin, viola, and cello.

-how to master complex harmonies in the Violin Harmony Handbook.

The best part:  Instead of practicing more, you’ll accomplish more in less time by integrating the practice of improvisation, harmony, and technique.

Honoring Your Creative Process

You might assume that you need to spend years mastering harmony before you can be creative.

With my framework, you’ll be able to start in five minutes, regardless of technical ability or theoretical understanding.

My creative process exercises will show you:

-How to create something new every time you pick up your instrument

-How to improvise free from harmonic constraints

-How to constructively evaluate your creative works

Wherever you’re at now in terms of technique, theory, or style.

Classical training provides important foundations.

But let’s face it- It also leaves a lot out.

I’ll help you bridge that gap via the three pillars of my approach:

Whether you’re just beginning to go beyond classical, an intermediate improviser, or an advanced jazz player, you’ll become a more versatile and creative player (or teacher) with access to the courses below, including video, downloadable PDF’s, and backing tracks.

Training for All Levels (Violin, Viola, & Cello)

Jazz Scales for Violin, Viola, and Cello eBook (Download)

Scales in extended range for violin, viola, and cello in all keys.  Including how to practice them.

Sells normally for $19.95

Arpeggios for Jazz Violin, Cello, and Viola (Download) 

 Seventh chords are provided in all inversions for the ranges of violin, cello, and viola, in all keys. The extensive forward outlines how to use this book to expand your harmonic vocabulary and  improvise with greater comfort and ease.

Sells normally for $19.95

Free Improvisation Master Series (Video Download)

Begin creating now regardless of your current level. Gain concrete steps to help you develop a personal sound.  Develop a clear value system for improvisation in any setting.

Sells normally for $50.00

Teaching Improvisation Series (Video Download)

For teachers! This series focuses on ways to teach improvisation to students of all ages.

Sells normally for $24.95

The 70-page Violin Harmony Handbook is packed with conceptual, intuitive, and analytical practice exercises, a chord glossary, and solo transcriptions.

(Think “Paganini for improvisers!”)

Sells normally for $34.95

Jazz Violin Harmony Fundamentals Series Bundle (Videos and Handbook – Downloads)

Concepts discussed in the handbook above are demonstrated in this series of videos.

Sells normally for $45.00