Creative Strings Workshop Online
Become a more versatile, creative, & confident musician (or teacher) in seven weeks.
January 14th - March 2nd, 2024
(first Zoom class is January 18th)
Close the gaps in your skills and transform your musicianship, whether you’re a student, amateur, elite performer, or teacher.
Show up once per week with your instrument ready to play along.
DoES this Sound Like You?
If so, let me help you...
Players
Gain clear structure to deepen your foundation of improvisation, harmony, & rhythm in various styles, so you can collaborate confidently with other musicians or share your own creative works. For amateurs, mature students, and elite performers.
Teachers
Teach skills relevant to your students’ interests. Increase student engagement, promote diversity, encourage independent learning, and meet national standards related to improvisation, composition, arranging, and eclectic styles.
Freelancers
Attract better projects and income.
Hear What Participants Are Saying
...exactly what I needed to get to my next level of satisfaction.
This course was Life Changing
I’m Christian Howes.
I help musicians solve these problems:
- Inconsistency with improvisation.
- Not knowing the chords to songs you play.
- No idea how or what to play without sheet music.
- You come out of the practice room unsure whether you improved anything in a permanent way and don’t know how to organize, moment to moment, what to focus on in your practice.
- Reluctant to join or initiate musical collaborations.
- Settling for gigs you don’t want when you’re qualified for ones you do.
- Your students want to do more but you’re unsure how to help them.
- A tendency to beat yourself up instead of appreciating your abilities.
You’ll learn in 7 weeks what it took decades of trial and error to learn on my own.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...
When I was 16 my friends started a band.
I remember thinking, “I’m not creative like them”. That thought crushed me.
I wondered, “What if I could learn to be Creative”?
Playing violin in a rock band was novel in 1988 and audiences were easily impressed.
Except I didn’t want to just be a novelty. I wanted to feel on par with other musicians in the band. They spoke a common language and I felt excluded.
As I tried to fit in, I realized that there were many skills I had never received via classical training- like groove, harmony, arranging, composition, when/what/how to play and when not to play, and more.
I learned what I could from rock musicians and kept joining bands, from R&B and Gospel to Bluegrass, Latin, Jazz…
Each time I met a new community of musicians I felt locked on the outside. I doubted whether I had what it takes as a musician to gain their respect.
While I impressed audiences with chops or tone, the musicians saw through me. Since I lacked experience and knowledge of their musical culture, I bulldozed ahead, oblivious to mistakes that were pushing me further away from the very musicians I wanted to be accepted by.
I was
Mocked by musicians onstage behind my back
Told to do a two-step and hit a cowbell (not allowed to play violin!).
Made to sit through jams for hours without being invited to play.
Cursed, insulted, laughed at, dismissed…
Many of these misunderstandings could have been avoided if I simply asked the right questions.
I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Luckily I met mentors along the way. Their help combined with time spent in a wide range of musical situations led me to develop skills, a personal voice, and most importantly, self-acceptance. I finally realized that I am creative, and I am enough, regardless of my natural musical limits.
I eventually built a method to help other string players save decades of painful trial and error.
What's Covered: Course Details
Interactive Group Classes
Attend fast-paced weekly guided practice sessions for 7 weeks to gain my entire curriculum
Show up & play along to my prompts. You’ll play 90% of each class ( 90+ 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 ask questions anytime.
After 90-minutes of playing, you can get (or observe) 1-1 coaching from me in front of the group.
We provide additional 1-1 coaching times for:
–Teachers w/ teaching-specific questions
–Freelancers seeking to attract more income or opportunities
Classes meet twice weekly: Thursdays @ 12 pm & Saturdays @ 7:30 pm Eastern (US). You’ll get everything you need if you come once a week, but are welcome to come twice and you won’t be bored if you come to both. You will have access to all replays.
" The highly organized musical plan... to understand and play improvisational music with feeling via the live zoom sessions was both highly inspiring and challenging."
or upgrade to a premium package and get...
Unlimited Personal Feedback
Post your work when convenient- receive feedback from me and other mentors.
"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."
Premium Learning Resources
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 own parts in a band, or accompanying your students.
Includes:
- 10 play-along videos with Chris and a young student
- 3 play-a-long video masterclasses with Chris
- 3 play-a-long videos with Chris and a high school orchestra (90 minutes)
- 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:
- 11-part play-along series requiring no previous experience
- 5-part play-along series requiring no previous experience
- 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
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):
How to make a single piece of content to attract new students, leverage existing students, & create recurring revenue if you’re self-employed.
How to create an engaged student community in minutes, increasing value & saving time.
How to effectively run and sell group classes, 1-1 lessons, online courses and more.
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.
- Freelancers (such as performers)- teach with more confidence, even if you don’t have a certification or ed degree.
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 feels hard, you should not miss this opportunity to flip your classroom or studio.
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 related to musical skills, teaching online, and entrepreneurship. While you can access some of this curriculum by purchasing our DIY courses, the structure, personal attention, and community of this guided bootcamp is set up to ensure you finally get it done.
A PRIVATE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
Meet Your Mentors
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VICTORIA YEH |
JASON ANICK |
ANDY REINER |
GEORGIA RAE |
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PHILIP SHEEGOG |
CATHY IRONS |
NEIL GILFILLAN |
See What Other Participants are Working On
Accomplish Your Goals doing only what's relevant to you
Create the outcomes you want.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, freelancer, or teacher, focus on only the actions that are highest-yielding for what you want to accomplish.
You’ll be supported by a structured curriculum, personal feedback, community, and accountability.
Review- Everything Included in Premium:
- 1-1 coaching with me
- A workbook to track progress & stay accountable.
- Fourteen 2-hour+ Zoom Guided Practice Sessions w/ replays
- Support for teachers in entrepreneurship and online teaching frameworks
- Office Hours for Q and A for your practice, teaching, and/or career
- Access to our private Facebook group with an extensive curriculum from me and other mentors
- 49-day premium email drip course
- Seven downloadable digital books
- My Personal feedback on all your work and questions
"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."
Review- Everything You Get with PREMIUM Access:
- The ability to focus on your goals in a project-based format
- Personal feedback on your work from me and other mentors
- Interactive Classes in a community to make sure you get it done
- Access to premium learning materials
- Materials to share with your students in school-friendly formats (***Teacher Licensing plans only)
- Two private coaching sessions with me
What’s this Worth?
Compare to a semester of conservatory, where the most affordable programs are priced at a few thousand dollars
Schools like Berklee, where I used to teach, cost tens of thousands.
Consider whether other options can offer you:
- this level of cutting edge curriculum.
- personalized feedback & learning path.
- diverse community of committed students
- full seven weeks 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 dared to join a band 35 years ago it put me in a position to become:
–Top call violinist in NYC
-Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music
-An online teaching pioneer
-A recording artist on hundreds of albums and films, touring, producing festivals, founding a non-profit, and more.
When you decide that your professional and personal 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 more opportunities
In short, you’ll be ready to thrive in this new world on your own terms
Meet Your Support Team
You’ll have the support of these mentors!
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VICTORIA YEH |
JASON ANICK |
ANDY REINER |
GEORGIA RAE |
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PHILIP SHEEGOG |
CATHY IRONS |
NEIL GILFILLAN |
Individual Access:
Zoom Class
Get it Done
$325 (Early Bird Price Expires on December 1st)
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Access to Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Zoom Class Replays
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Opportunity to Receive Feedback During Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Private Facebook Group and Premium Course Materials
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Unlimited Asynchronous Feedback
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Private Lessons
Premium
Take It to The Next Level
$899
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Access to Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Zoom Class Replays
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Opportunity to Receive Feedback During Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Private Facebook Group and Premium Course Materials
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Unlimited Asynchronous Feedback
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Two 30-minute Private Lessons
Don’t have the full amount on hand? Click below to pay in installments.
Deluxe
Coaching Package
$
2500
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Access to Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Zoom Class Replays
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Opportunity to Receive Feedback During Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Private Facebook Group and Premium Course Materials
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Unlimited Asynchronous Feedback
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Seven 50-minute Private Lessons
INDIVIDUAL ACESS PLUS MATERIALS LICENSING:
For teachers who want to use Creative Strings materials in their classroom or studio.
Full Access + Material Licensing
Priced by class/studio size
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Access to Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Replays of Live Zoom Classes
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Opportunity to Receive Feedback During Live Zoom Classes
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Access to Private Facebook Group and Premium Course Materials
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Unlimited Asynchronous Feedback
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Two 30-minute Lessons or Consultations
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Custom lessons package
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Licensing Permission to Share Materials with Your Own Students
up to 30 students
$1,195.00
up to 60 students
$1,395.00
up to 100 students
$1,595.00
FAQ
Scheduling Questions:
Group classes are every Thursday at 12-2 pm US Eastern and Every Saturday at 7:30- 9:30 pm US Eastern
****Classes often go longer than 2 hours. Replays are available.
Many of a participants can only attend one of the two classes a week- so it’s perfectly okay if you have to miss!
We’ll post the class recording within 24 hours so that you can rewatch at your convenience.
Zoom group class replays are availabl for at least 6 months after the course ends.
Yes.
If you sign up for the basic package, you’ll still have the opportunity to ask questions in class. The last half hour of each class is reserved either for participants to play individually for feedback (masterclass) or ask music business questions (mastermind)
If you sign up for the premium package or higher, you’ll be ablet to post your work and recieve unlimited personal feedback from me via our secret FB group. When you post video, audio, or written work examples or questions, I respond within 48 hrs or sooner. If you choose not to use the FB group or have something private to share you can email me.
Private lessons can be scheduled online any time during the seven weeks at your convience.
We suggest that you use one as a entry lesson and one as an exit lesson. This format allows me to help you orient your goals and practice routines throughout the course so you get the most out of it.
Yes! I will schedule a limited number of additional office hours throughout the course. Times typically vary so that participants in different time zones can participate. All office hours are drop-in: come and go as you please!
Content Questions
As part of the private Facebook Group, Premium Participants will have access to:
- All my premium Creative Strings multi-media courses. It is the most comprehensive curriculum for creative string players on earth.
- Entrepreneurship
- Flipping the Classroom- How to Teach Online Efficiently & Effectively
We’ll use this curriculum together to help you work on the goals that you want to achieve via a project-based approach.
Basic-level participants will be given limited access to some of my more foundational materials through the replay document.
You can! My curriculum is like a buffet- take what you want. I highly encourage students to focus on their own interests.
In fact (while I don’t discourage it)- I would be impressed if anyone ever made it through the ENTIRE curriculum in one session.
That’s fine! You can still get feedback from me by emailing me privately (if you’re a full access participant or above!)
You also do not need to post or share anything to:
- Watch what other participants are doing.
- Access the curriculum
Nevertheless, many people find FB useful for getting the most out of this course. You can interact and network with other participants and get feedback from multiple points of view if you do choose to post!
All posts are private and will not be shared on your public FB wall.
A project-based approach allows you to gain skills while creating works you can reflect on, share, and be proud of.
I’ll help you choose your starting project(s), goals, and learning path in week one.
Projects can include practice excerpts, short improvisations, arrangements, recordings, as well as lesson plans for teachers or marketing materials for freelancers.
Yes. Not only will we have special guest teachers for portions of Zoom Group Classes; you’ll receive access to our mentors via the FB group and some of their curriculum.
I typically recommend the course as a first step and/but I am happy to provide info on the cost of private lessons. Feel free to reach out to my assistant at lauren@creativestrings.org
Early Registration Price ranges from $399 and up.
- (Recommended) Premium Access – $998 includes group classes, unlimited asynchronous support, access to premium curriculum in the private Facebook group, and two 1-1 private consults.
- (On a Budget) Basic Access – $499 Group classes and replay document access only
- (For those that want the private lesson experience) Deluxe Access- $2500- Seven 50-minute private lessons plus group classes, unlimited asynchronous support, and access to premium curriculum in the private Facebook group
****** If you are a Teacher you can join any of the plans.
Join the premium access plan specifically for your own PD.
Join the licensing plan if you’d like the ability to share step by step curriculum and lesson plans directly with students.
-Schools/Districts often sponsor teachers to participate. Ask us if you need help getting support from your school.
If you join the licensing plan it allows you to share curriculum, courses, and work-books directly with your students in privacy-approved formats.
You’ll get my personal support in overseeing your students’ work. I’ll also show you how to flip the classroom, i.e., teach efficiently/effectively online. Custom curriculum is possible as well for your students. You do not have to join the licensing plan to gain from the course as a teacher.
Yes. I will be happy to meet with you personally to answer any questions via phone or Zoom. Schedule 1-1 exploratory call with me at this LINK (acuity) or text me (in USA/CAN) at 614-332-8689
Hear What Participants Are Saying
Read our testimonials or click on a video to hear participants in their own voice!