Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

For musicians who’ve been at it 10, 20, 30 years and suddenly realize the old definition doesn’t fit the life they actually want now. If you’ve hit a point in your career where things look successful on paper but don’t feel like success anymore, this conversation will land. In this interview, we dig into redefining success as a musician—especially for players who’ve been at it 10, 20, 30 years and...

In this episode, Jose Francisco shares his incredible story of starting the violin at 17 in the Dominican Republic, overcoming lack of resources, and rising to perform internationally. He discusses his early inspirations, the importance of finding one's own voice in music, and the challenges he faced along the way. This conversation also touches on cultural differences in musical experiences,...

Chris talks with a classical violinist and PhD researcher, about the emotional toll of traditional training and how improvisation supports well-being. She explores nervous system regulation, perfectionism, and mindfulness techniques that help musicians feel more confident, expressive, and whole. This conversation offers practical tools and mindset shifts for any musician, parent, or educator seeki...

In the second of a two part interview, I sat down with my former colleague at the Berklee College of Music, Mark Simos, to discuss the strategies featured in his book Songwriting Strategies: A 360-Degree Approach. Improvisation as a historic part of the classical composition process Songwriting and improvisation as part of a balanced music education Tune writing and generating new material much mo...

In the first of a two part interview, I sat down with my former colleague at the Berklee College of Music, Mark Simos, to discuss the strategies featured in his book Songwriting Strategies: A 360-Degree Approach. I think you'll find that these strategies apply to writing tunes in all genres. If you're like me, you probably struggle in various ways to complete, or start, original compositions. List...

Discover the joys and challenges of parenting musicians in this heartfelt episode of the Creative Strings Podcast. Christian Howes sits down with 15-year-old songwriter Sun Jackson and her father, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer D.D. Jackson, explores their inspiring father-daughter bond through music. This episode dives into:🎶 The emotional story behind Sun’s song Fair Friend, written at a...

Break free from the “never good enough” mindset. Chris interviews clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ellen Hendriksen to explore how to overcome perfectionism as musicians. Whether you're a performer, teacher, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you: . Understand the roots of perfectionism in musicians. . Differentiate healthy striving from dest...

Discover the transformative journey of Rebecca Clare Douglas in this episode of the Creative Strings Podcast, where musical diversity takes center stage. From earning a music degree at Oxford to becoming a multifaceted folk musician, educator, and author, Rebecca shares how embracing diversity in her music brought freedom and joy. 🎻 Learn how she transitioned from classical to folk music, finding...

Discover 21 daily habits for musicians to grow and enjoy their practice, teaching, or careers more. In this video, Christian Howes shares practical tips to optimize routines, set goals, and find happiness in your musical journey. Designed for teachers, players, and music entrepreneurs, these habits help you improve performance and well-being. Learn specialized tips for music teachers, let go of un...

Marcello DeFrancesco interviews Christian Howes as research for his PHD in music education. They discuss questions related to improvisation, nuances of learning techniques, the influence of genres like Jazz on improvisation, and the critical role of educational institutions in fostering creativity. Delving into personal experiences, they explore improvisation's impact on emotional and interpersona...

Violin bow techniques vary between classical and jazz violin playing- listen to learn why it's important to know them both. Follow Dr. Lynn Kuo at her wonderful Youtube Channel  @violynnkuo  Our discussion reveals insight into bow usage, articulation, and maintaining bow contact for rhythmical precision. Dr. Kuo shares insights on optimizing sound production and adapting bow control for different...

In this episode, Christian Howes dives deep into strategies for musicians to master their craft more effectively. Addressing both teachers and players, he provides a comprehensive seven-week program designed to elevate your musical prowess. From tonal improvisation to advanced jazz harmony. Whether you're battling with the intricacies of bowed string instruments or seeking to find your unique crea...

Orchestra teachers- get the exact tactics used by renowned orchestra teacher Angela Harman to Overfill her classroom program, retain students, assess, and more as she delves into her effective strategies on how to attract and retain music students. To watch this episode on video click here: https://youtu.be/204l1uu5n2c?si=GKME4dvjLJxlC1i3 Gain insights into a day in her life as a middle school orc...

In this episode I sit down with Emily Edelstein, Molly Tucker, Camille Vogley-Howes, and Karl Henry from Quartet Davis, an exciting string quartet pushing the boundaries of classical, folk, jazz, and pop music. We discuss their debut album, “Three Lefts Make a Right” and go into their creative process and how they came together while studying at Oberlin College.  Throughout the interview, we play...

To watch this episode as a video go to: https://youtu.be/Wtg32uHwnoo Learn three powerful changes you can make to your practice routine to become a more functional musician. Instead of playing classical etudes, you can do improvised scales/exercises. Try to improvise over "elemental music forms" instead of playing over hard songs/grooves/progressions. Devote 15-30 min to internalize a sm...

To watch this episode as a video go to: https://youtu.be/Vo3BB7Z2Z_U Three simple but powerful methods that will help you overcome the limitation of only playing melodies. Gain the ability to accompany others on songs. Learn Why it's important to memorize the chords of a song, and How to learn the chords of a song.

Therapist, pianist and cellist Joyu Lee shares her expertise in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) therapy, plus mindfulness and how it can benefit musicians. You can follow her work on Instagram at @musicandyourmind. Learn more at https://www.musicandyourmind.com/.

Developing excellence and improved self-care for music teachers. Our guest Adrian Gordon has taught classroom music for 18 years. His new book "Note to Self" explores how to make successful transitions for music teachers.  Learn more about Adrian and his work at www.adriangordonmusic.com Thanks to our sponsors, Yamaha and www. ElectricViolinShop.com

Learn secrets of how to play bluegrass fiddle and more with Justin Branum - in this video we use the Magic Bluegrass  scale as it relates to tunes like June Apple.   June Apples are small and oblong, with a brisk taste that's unusual for  early apples.  I only know this because Justin Branum told me.   He's a Nashville-based master fiddler and regular at the Grand Ole Opry,  (which is to Bluegrass...

How to amplify the violin and get a good sound. Electric violin vs acoustic violin.  Pickups vs amplifiers.  Electric Violin Effects, how to use loops for violin, and related gear for violin, viola, and cello, are answered in this interview with Matt Bell of Electric Violin Shop #electricviolin #electricviolinshop   Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/bo4Y2gGGBJ8 Thanks t...

In this episode of the Creative Strings Podcast, Chris talks to educator and violinist, Dr. Quinton Morris about his non-profit work, Key to Change, entrepreneurship, and combating racism in classical music. https://www.keytochangestudio.org/ (01:15) Teaching students to be entrepreneurs (3:24) Harvard business school (5:28) Key to change (9:19) Why do so many people fail at doing what you've been...

John "Adidam"  Littlejohn shares how he resources his high-level tuition-free string camp www.stringbootcamp.com and how he balances/approaches life as a minister, educator, and violinist. 00:00 Intro 00:52 Thrive City String Bootcamp 05:39 Advanced seminar 11:04 Origins of camp 14:09 Teaching in inner-city schools 15:50 Where to apply 19:41 Instructors and space 25:12 Inspiration 26:53 Being a pa...

In this episode, Chris talks to violinist and PhD-candidate Aaron Colverson about his musical journey and areas where musicians can impact the health space. 00:00 Intro 01:14 Opportunities for musicians in the health space 04:55 Are there ways of getting involved in music in a therapeutic sense and get paid? 10:19 How to get in touch with Aaron 11:45 Road from performance to academia 12:59 Moving...

Violinist Kostia Lukyniuk shares his perspective from Ukraine. Find the full show notes here: https://christianhowes.com/2022/03/04/creative-strings-podcast-episode-49-the-role-of-artists-during-war-with-ukranian-violinist-kostia-lukyniuk/ Ukrainian-born Kostia Lukyniuk is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician with a multi-genre approach to violin playing. He made his solo debut in 2009 wit...

In this special interview, the legendary pioneering violinist Karen Briggs shares how she has approached her incredible career- and there are so many great stories she shares.  Also, we’ll hear new recordings of music composed by Michael Redmond’s father, Edgar Redmond. Edgar Redmond was a composer ahead of his time who wrote Jazz and Blues for string ensembles plus rhythm section, as well as for...