Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

Latest Episodes:

Jazz Violin vs Classical Violin: the difference in Bowing Technique Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

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 musical styles, offering practical advice for violinists seeking to expand their repertoire and technique. Sponsored by Electric Violin Shop.

Secrets of Versatile High-Functioning Musicians Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

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 creative voice, this podcast promises not just instruction but also transformative guidance. To join Christian's Creative Strings Workshop or to learn more, visit ⁠christianhowes.com⁠. Brought to you by The Creative Strings Workshop. Early registration (discount) for the fall 7-week course goes away soon- register here: ⁠https://christianhowes.com/csw_online6/⁠ New students can also take a free lesson with me with a trial of my home study course here: ⁠https://christianhowes.com/csa/⁠

Overfill Your Orchestra: How Orchestra Teacher Angela Harman runs a Thriving Orchestra Class Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

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 orchestra teacher, uncovering the tools and techniques that foster creativity and engagement in the music classroom. Angela’s passion for teaching is rooted in inspiring and nurturing budding musicians. This is a must-watch for every educator aspiring to elevate their teaching skills and student engagement You can contact Angela at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchestra.t... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orchestracla... Webpage: https://orchestraclassroom.com/ Blog: https://orchestrateacher.blogspot.com/

A String Quartet that Grooves w/ Quartet Davis Jul 16, 2023

Show notes

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 extended excerpts of the songs from “Three Lefts Make a Right” and delve into various topics, such as the challenges and triumphs of being young musicians, the democratic nature of the band, their exploration of free improvisation, and the importance of gendering in music. We also gain insights into their experiences at Oberlin College and modern conservatories, shedding light on the evolving landscape of musical education. This podcast episode is made possible by our sponsor, Electric Violin Shop. Need guidance on electric strings, gear, or amplification? Visit electricviolinshop.com or call their knowledgeable team to get expert advice and answers to all your questions. Creative Strings is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to positively transform music education through this podcast, providing, presenting, and curating stories about musicians at interesting intersections. We also offer free play-along videos on YouTube, yearly in-person retreats in the USA and Europe, and more. Visit creativestrings.org or email me at chris@christianhowes.com with questions. Timecodes: (0:00) Intro (1:56) Welcome Quartet Davis (2:49) La Sansonette (5:13) Learning and performing differently (6:58) Jealous Guy (10:05) Bonding as a string quartet (12:19) Being democratic as a band (15:54) Working on Free Improvisation (22:39) Hembrannarmarsch (26:34) Without Spring (29:48) Gendering in music (36:26) RajRajRaj (40:04) Playing written music vs by ear vs fully improvised (56:57) Fear of asking for help (60:22) Time After Time (71:10) Oberlin College and Modern Conservatories (78:41) Tremilly

3 Keys to redesign your practice & become a more Functional Musician Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

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 small amount of harmonic or rhythmic material. To learn more about this go to our dedicated blogpost: https://christianhowes.com/2023/06/14/better-practice/

How to Learn & Remember Chord Progressions to the Songs and Tunes You Play Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

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.

Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) Therapy w/ Joyu Lee + Mindfulness for musicians. Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

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/.

Music Teachers: Cultivating Excellence & Self Care w/ Adrian Gordon Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

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

Bluegrass Fiddle Tricks & Licks ; Magic Bluegrass Scale with Justin Branum Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

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 what Carnegie Hall is to Classical, and the Village Vanguard is to Jazz). We used the Bluegrass tune "June Apple" in a video to teach you play-along exercises related to the "Magic Bluegrass Scale". (It's good for other styles besides Bluegrass). Justin came out of Bluegrass and Texas-style fiddle, then got a master's in Jazz. His breadth combined with the fact that he was self-taught from the age of 12 may explain why he's such an effective teacher. I respect Justin Branum so much as a fiddle teacher and master fiddle player that I invited him to teach in Asheville this summer at our Creative Strings summer retreat (session B). We weren't not sure if he could make it because everybody in Nashville wants him to play country bluegrass fiddle on their tours and records, but he just confirmed he's IN! Want to learn how to play Bluegrass fiddle with Justin Branum, and Austin Scelzo, and me in person? Join the Creative Strings summer retreats (space is limited) here: https://christianhowes.com/creative-strings-asheville-extension/ Still, if he can, it will naturally include more opportunities to focus on Bluegrass fiddle, Country fiddle, Swing fiddle, and other folk fiddle styles with Austin Scelzo, who is also a tremendous teacher who can show you how to play fiddle coming during the second week. Our two scheduled fiddle camp sessions are the weeks of June 25th and July 2nd. The first week will be really diverse, including jazz and any styles you want to do. If you would rather come for a folk-music-centered experience the week of July 8-15, possibly to include special guests Justin and Austin Scelzo, sign up at link below. As a heads up, I limit the number of people at these fiddle camps The price is currently at a discount and it will go up So if you want to come, I suggest you decide soon. Learn more and Sign up here: https://christianhowes.com/creative-strings-asheville-extension/ #fiddle #playalong #bluegrass

How to Amplify Violin Viola or Cello w/ Matt Bell of Electric Violin Shop Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

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 to Electric Violin Shop for supporting CreativeStrings Podcast

Thanks also to Yamaha for supporting us. I recommend Yamaha electric violins, violas, cellos, and basses.

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(0:00) Intro

(2:13) Welcome Matt Bell of Electric Violin Shop

(4:37) Gear questions for electric violins and violins with pickups

(10:54) Violin pick-ups vs solid body violin

(14:47) TwoSet Violin (a friendly debate )

(23:29) Amplified Violin Gear Audit

(33:13) Amplified violin Tone audit

(36:59) Living as a working musician