Register now for the Creative Strings Workshop, June 21 to 26 near Columbus, Ohio

About Christian Howes

'Creative Strings' online membership lesson program

'Creative Strings Workshop' Camp

About Christian Howes

Among the elite jazz musicians in the country, Christian Howes is both a stellar performer and studio recorder and is well respected as a strings educator and clinician.  The Minneapolis Tribune calls him “arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz”,  while the Chicago Reader says: “Not since Jean-Luc Ponty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority.” Christian has been awarded the #2 spot in Downbeat magazine’s Critics Poll four times as “Rising Star” jazz violinist.

A former associate professor at the Berklee College of Music, Christian Howes founded his innovative Creative Strings Workshop in 2003– a week-long camp occurring annually in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, which attracts students of all ages and from all over the world. Through intimate instruction from some of the top creative string players, and an intense performance schedule at venues throughout the city, participants gain experience with improvisation-based music and the life of a gigging musician.

A Yamaha endorsee, Howes often performs with his Yamaha SV-200 solid body electric violin.  When he wants a more acoustic tone he opts for an acoustic/electric violin equipped with a Yamaha VNP-1 transducer bridge, which he speaks very highly of as a truly professional pickup solution for violin.

Howes has given workshops at Electric Violin Shop on multiple occasions and is currently performing on an Electric Violin Shop Custom Gold Sparkle Yamaha SV-200 violin (pictured at left).

Check out Christian's website to learn more.

'Creative Strings' online membership lesson program

Christian Howes' unique online lesson subscription program offers all players access to his teachings on improvisation in numerous styles including jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, latin, and more. The scope of lessons includes everything from warm up etudes and jazz scale studies to theory, analysis and harmony lessons. You will learn to interpret what you hear and play in terms of jazz theory and adding an improvised part will become second nature. There are also sections on using electric violins with effects as well as how to manage a performing career. Other materials include 'The Violin Harmony Book' in e-book format, worksheets, mp3 backing tracks for improv practice, Christian's interviews with artists, and more! Membership is available for individuals in three levels as well as a fourth classification for educators to use in the classroom or studio.  A 10-day trial membership is available for only $5.95. 

Basic Membership

Gain access to all Christian Howes's lesson videos, access the multimedia series, the Harmony Handbook, Chord Glossary, regular group calls with Christian, exclusive interviews, and more. Basic Members can also request the monthly addition of customized video content they wish to study. Cancel anytime. Price: $39.95/month. 30 day money back guarantee. 

Limited time only: You can lock in a permanent membership rate of only $24.95/month!!!

  Click for more information or to subscribe.

Premium Membership

Premium Membership has all the great features of the Basic Membership ($39.95 value) plus a one hour private lesson with Christian (in person or vis Skype video) every month ($120 value). This product has limited availability! Price: $129.95/month

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Elite Membership

With this Elite Membership level you get all the great features of the Basic Membership with the addition of 3 private lessons or consultations per month (in person or via Skype Video) with Christian Howes ($360 value). Limited availability. Cancel anytime. 30 day money back guarantee. Price: $319.95/month

  Click for more information or to subscribe.

Classroom Membership

With this membership level, teachers can gain access for their entire classrooms/studios to the lesson videos and potentially engage Christian as a clinician. Register here and Christian will contact you to create a customized program for your school or class. Or email Chris at chris@christianhowes.com. Price: $100.95/month

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'Creative Strings Workshop' camp

The Creative Strings Workshop and Festival (CSW) offers youth and adult string players a unique opportunity to study improvisational music through rehearsals, jams, masterclasses, clinics, and concerts, all while playing alongside great string artists in jazz, fiddle styles, rock, hip hop, avant garde, latin styles, and more!

CSW is held for one week each summer in Christian Howes' hometown of Columbus, Ohio.  CSW places emphasis on applying the improv skills learned at the camp to real live performance.  Attendees get multiple opportunities to perform and improvise in live settings at local venues with camp colleagues and professionals alike.

  Click for more information or to register.