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 interpersonal growth, address stage fright, and the intersection of technology with musical education. This...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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:...

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 fiddle in bluegrass and country with  @masterfiddle 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)....

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...

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 able to succeed at? (12:27) Understand the business (15:25) Barriers to being able to...

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 pastor and musician 31:20 Music is ministry 33:00 Day-to-day life 34:41 Putting in...

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 to Kenya 16:57 You have to spend the time to figure out who you are in the music...

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 full orchestra. Michael has commissioned these new recordings, some of which feature Karen Briggs...

How to teach more to your students without burning out? How to prioritize your own musical goals without sacrificing too much of your time. The key is a Flexible mindset and Creative strategies to get the balance you want. Austin Scelzo is an exemplar of a young person taking courageous steps in that direction- making moves in his music and career and contributing in huge ways to his communities along the way. Violinist and teacher Austin Scelzo talks with Chris about the innovations he...

5 things that have been helping me to improve my relationship with music and the thing at the core of it all. Get my free masterclass at www.christianhowes.com/education

Join us with Guest Speaker and former Creative Strings Workshop participant Marlene Cruz Lozano as she talks about her new studio, Violin Bootcamp, which centers adult women violin students, their goals, and needs.

Join us with Guest Speakers Caleigh Drane & William Seiji Marsh as we discuss how to conquer your stage fright and better achieve your musical goals through mindfulness and mindful practice.

Fiddlers Casey Driessen and Christian Howes discuss extensive clips from Casey’s album Otherlands. We talk about chopping/rhythm, and other aspects of musical collaboration for fiddlers and string players who want to expand their creative voice, musical community, and career or lifestyle. We play a tune together as well in this hour-long interview. Find more at www.christianhowes.com

Join us with Guest Speaker Drew Alexander Forde (ThatViolaKid) as we talk about his work as a violist, composer, entrepreneur, and social media wizard. Violist Drew Alexander Forde has a reputation not only as an accomplished performer but also as one of classical music’s most recognizable online brands. He is the co-host of Faking Notes Podcast and an acclaimed expert in classical music’s social media and brand building with an Instagram following to over 118,000 people. Check out his...

Music therapy techniques in teaching strings.with Raquel Ravaglioli, a board-certified music therapist, music instructor, and professional violinist. Raquel talks about being balanced while helping others find their personal and musical niche, through building strong professional relationships. To learn more and connect with Raquel Ravaglioli see her website here: http://raquelchristinemusic.com/​ See her faculty page at Marietta College here:...

Composer David Cutler on a reimagining of Suzuki book 1.