Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

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 engaging dialogue not only sheds light on improvisation's significance in music learning but also champions diversity and cultural appreciation in the musical landscape.

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.

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/⁠

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/

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

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/

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 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 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. For Transcriptions, Lessons & Proven Strategies to Grow Your Musicianship, subscribe to my free newsletter. It’s actionable and loved by 10,000 subscribers. Subscribe here: https://swiy.co/Subscribe_CH (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

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 serve underserved youth (19:29) Talk to the community and always show up (25:10) Being more human in our interactions (29:39) Classical music’s defensiveness (33:14) Raising money for your non-profit (39:35) What can teachers without a non-profit do to help? (44:38) Relational vs Transactional (50:33) Combating racism in classical music (55:20) Unmute the Voices (1:00:07) Wrap up

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 the time and effort 38:27 Entrepreneurship and God 42:55 What can a non-believer learn from faith? 47:17 Get outside yourself 50:54 Looking for ways to help others 52:44 Closing

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 space 18:18 How does a musician afford a masters program 19:29 Relationships are more important than a CV 21:17 How have you matured in perspective? 25:27 How can we feel comfortable enough with ourselves to keep asking for the gig? 30:29 How can you overcome the pressure of comparing yourself to others? 32:38 Reframing your approach 37:23 Importance of empathy 41:50 Identity introvert vs extrovert 45:24 Closing

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 with the Chernivtsi Philharmonic Orchestra after winning 1st Prize in the International Youth Music Competition. Since then, he has won various other musical competitions and performed concerts and solo recitals throughout his home country of Ukraine and neighboring countries Romania, Russia, and Czech Republic. Follow Kostia: https://www.kostiaviolin.com/ Instagram: @kostia_violin TikTok: @kostiaviolin Facebook: @kostia.violin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw1fK9mtTrQZX5JqWsqsNVQ Kostia asked that we provide this link for people around the world to support Ukraine: https://quip.com/SxBaALA94uQf/Ukraine-at-War 

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 as a soloist. And very importantly, orchestras and orchestra programs will want to buy this music to perform.  Additional Notes: Orchestral Suite, “Transition in Black” conducted by Zoltán Pad  Evidence & listing of Edgar Redmond having “Transition in Black” world premiered and performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in 1973 at the Music Center in L.A. with Zubin Mehta as conductor: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1214466 ASTA Article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/000313137102100311 https://www.flashcardmachine.com/jazz4.html Transition in Black: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hx3WlWHW-VRjthFATj9az5YX7VzktKCX/view?usp=sharing Edgar Redmond Supplemental Materials: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E3hbQsOnSWbk2oh0XwDQvpb6VMl2ot2W/view?usp=sharing Website: https://www.edredmondmusic.com/

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 made in the classroom, how he’s balanced his competing desires to be a teacher and performer, the transition from working for a school to working for himself, and how he’s taken on such a range of musical goals.

5 ways to help improve your relationship with music and the thing at the core of it all. Get my free masterclass at www.christianhowes.com/education

Marlene Cruz Lozano shares insights for adult violin students and teachers. Her Violin Bootcamp 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.