Most musicians don't need more stuff to work on.
They need a way in.
A way into confidence, understanding, and alignment.
Into actual musicianship—beyond notes on a page.
That’s what The Accelerator is.
Structured play-alongs that make freedom feel possible.
Harmony and groove broken down until they click.
Lessons that feel like someone’s right there with you, saying:
“You’ve got this.”
Music isn’t just about technique.
Practice is physical.
Mental.
Emotional.
We grow by noticing.
Breathing.
Pivoting.
That’s what The Accelerator helps you do—
In small, structured ways that add up.
It’s not about becoming someone else.
It’s about uncovering the player you already are—
And finally having a supported path to move forward.
Ultimately, this course is:
Specific, revealing, and based on things I've actually done.
No fluff.
Actionable and surprising- strategies you haven't tried or heard before
I’ve told you about it for 6 weeks,
It’s time to move on :)
The 50% off offer ends tonight.
This is your final chance to save $250.
No hype.
Just your moment.
If you'd like to take advantage before the opportunity passes, you can claim it here:
christian-howes.kit.com/products/the-accelerator
15 - 0
"Mind if I smoke?" a stranger asked, joining me at 5:30 a.m. this morning on the patio of the Holiday Inn in Holland, Michigan.
"As long as you don't care if I vape," I said, getting a laugh.
Today our family will make the final leg of our drive to Blue Lake Suzuki violin camp, where our youngest child, Dalton, will rejoin violin buddies he only gets to see one week of the year ( and texts the 51 other weeks.)
I've been reflecting on two related things.
How I do or don't measure up to my Dad:
By the time he was my age (52), he had helped to put four kids through college. Of all I know about him, I don't know the first 20 years of his life. He had me, his firstborn when he was only 21.
I don't know what kind of Dad I would have been at age 21.
The @HolisticPsychologist said (on Instagram) that while "our culture shows images of dads playing catch and being the emotional rock of the family," it's hard to imagine that anyone can entirely live up to that image.
For any pain we may have around our own relationships not living up to that image, she suggests looking within- to become the fathers for ourselves that we may not have or have ever had...
"the guiding force you're looking for already lives within you"
If we look within, we will still find a paradox—a human who makes incredible sacrifices and sometimes mistakes.
Someone worthy of honoring with love and forgiveness.
That's how I choose to honor my Dad today.
2. What this all has to do with music:
Music has the ability not only to be practiced and taught but also to be given and received.
We can trace the music in our lives through generations as we shift in relation to it.
Mom and Dad studied vocal performance in college before dropping out when I was born.
They gave up their music careers but gave me lessons and summer camps.
They kept their stake in music through me, and now their grandson, who has played his heart out through the Suzuki books with friends he texts 51 weeks of the year.
This is why, when I asked him, Dalton insisted that he would never age out of attending Blue Lake-
confirming for me that my Dad is actually here, living on through my kids' love of music.
May the music and the love be everpresent for you as well.
Happy Fathers Day.
29 - 1
WHy Some Students (and Teachers) QUIT Music, (and Why others Don't)
Before I get to the main lesson, a "meta" Bonus lesson for teachers:
When Austin Scelzo asked me how he could increase engagement among parents of his MS Orchestra students, I helped him raise that engagement from about 5% to 90% in one year-
How?
Email.
Because one way to be an effective teacher is to remind and encourage.
If you want to increase your parent engagement next year, send an email once a week.
Inform, educate, inspire...
Save every one of those emails, and reuse them every year after that.
If you want my emails to help you teach better, or practice more, sign up for my free daily newsletter at
www.ChristianHowes.com
Now onto today's lesson:
Texas band and orchestra programs have a legendary status among music educators; however, recent statistics are concerning.
According to a study:
Of 100,000+ Texas students who took band in 6th grade, over 75,000 quit by 12th grade.
Why?
More importantly, how do we make music something kids (and adults) stay engaged with?
Part 1: For Teachers
We can radically broaden our teaching.
Fundamentals are essential, like beans and rice.
But serve the same meal every day, and you can’t blame people for losing interest.
How?
Add varied side dishes.
The problem is that we were only trained to cook beans and rice.
That’s why continuing learning for teachers is essential.
I get that some teachers are just trying to survive.
If you feel like you don't have the bandwidth for continued learning, I understand.
But trust me, you can do this.
I am going to make sure.
Just be one of the 100 teachers who join my cohort surrounding the launch of my new comprehensive method for teachers.
You'll begin receiving ongoing support from me throughout the fall in your school or private studio as soon as you join here:
Part 2:
This past 2 weeks I shared examples of "lifer" musicians in my email newsletter AND on my YouTube channel where we broadcast ten livestreams from our Festival in Europe.
Some of the musicians we featured:
-Hamilton Hardin Dedication to faith.
-The Escarteen Sisters . Family.
-Ricardo Hertz & Vanille Goovaerts Marriage.
-Jose Francisco Perez Colon a Passport to the world.
In every case, music is anchored to something profound—faith, family, identity, connection.
***
Parents of Musicians:
I recently met with a new student. A man in his 50's with two kids.
His goals:
Improve his own playing and
Help his kids (11 and 15) stay involved in music.
I went straight in, heart to heart, Dad to Dad, with my view:
-The primary goal is to encourage kids to pursue passions that keep them healthy and engaged.
-The secondary goal is to build your connection with them around those passions.
Never mind whether they become virtuosos. A child's music education is a long game.
That shift changed everything for him.
When the goal is connection, not perfection, music becomes sticky.
Which brings me full circle back to Texas:
When students, teachers, parents, or pros are allowed to show up differently, we all stay in the game.
If you want to anchor your practice, and can't make it to our retreats ( christianhowes.com/creative-strings-asheville-exte… )
Join the GYM, (15+ Zoom classes this month).
christianhowes.com/csa/
Let me know what’s resonating.
I’d love to hear what’s keeping you disconnected OR connected to music and your teaching.
16 - 1
Have you had a chance to practice today?
If you're like me, you're running all 7 days a week.
So how do you find the time to improve your playing?
The biggest thing I can tell you is this: It's not about MORE practice time. It's all about changing HOW you practice.
1) Eliminate Unforced errors
Instead of adding more skills, do more with what you have. Observe the mistakes you make that are easy to fix, and fix them.
If you're an improviser, exercise your choice NOT to play more often.
It sounds simple, and actually it is.
But it requires focused attention to develop this type of discipline.
I became a better player when I stopped playing so much. I would simply notice the mistakes I was making and make a mental note, i.e., "don't do that next time". Especially when I was younger I was always "chasing" things on stage. Fast tempos, complex melodies, etc...
Then I realized: What if I were to ONLY play when I'm sure the note will be in rhythm, or in the chord, or part of a phrase.
2) Get Feedback
The best way to improve is to record yourself and listen back. You need to notice your unforced errors before you can address them. Some of my biggest mentors ALWAYS carry a recording device. You can use the voice memo feature on a phone to capture any moment practicing, rehearsing, or performing. Then review later whenever you have downtime driving, running, cooking....
Make simple observations such as, 1) are you in rhythm 2) are you in tune 3) are you playing clear phrases?
For more nuanced observations, you can consult experts for feedback.
Ask them specific questions, like "what do you notice about my...phrasing? rhythm? note choice? variety of ideas? Stylistic authenticity? balance? ) OR just book a lesson and ask them "What do you hear?"
3) INTEGRATE your practicing to accomplish more things in less time.
4) Decide on very clear, specific goals.
I’m about to kick off the new year with my 7-week personalized bootcamp: Creative Strings Workshop starting January 3, bit.ly/_CreativeStringsWorkshop2022
It can help you with:
🎻 Establishing and sticking with your goals
🎻 Teaching you how to practice more efficiently
🎻 Providing timely unlimited feedback and accountability much more...
- Grammy award-winning cajun fiddler Michael Doucet has taken our bootcamp twice, and he said: "You are the rudder to get me out of my rut! This course gives me structure and forces me to work on those things I need work on."
- Classroom and Private Teachers are sharing the curriculum with their students ages 10 and up while upgrading their own musical skills and learning lots of hacks from me about how to teach online more efficiently and effectively.
- Amateurs & adult learners thrive in this course.
- Elite orchestral musicians are loving it.
- Parents have signed up kids as young as 8 to use this program.
For more info or to register, visit: bit.ly/_CreativeStringsWorkshop2022
If you've still got questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Just DM me or schedule a phone call to chat with me directly.
-Chris
30 - 5
How to be a more functional musician.
One way to understand the growth journey we are all on is in terms of being more "functional". We want to function musically, without being constrained by knowledge or technique. We want to function in our lives- without being restrained by resources or fear. To this end, I want to reflect on two things from last night's Zoom class with members of our "NEW" community.
1) Accompaniment—Dan commented last night that he enjoyed being asked to accompany me while I played a melody over Zoom "for a short time of the class."
I appreciate Dan's comment, and I want to reflect on how much time I have and do spend practicing accompaniment—a long time. Sometimes, it's the only thing I practice. While the ultimate aspiration of a musician may be to perform a song UNACCOMPANIED, a close second is playing DUO. For context, check out the accompaniments played with violinist extraordinaire Jason Anick:
- Georgia on my Mind: https://youtu.be/1DBmlNBW5Qg
- Someday My Prince: https://youtu.be/mngwXodPB_w?si=3ikMm...
- Mr P.C.: https://youtu.be/rYuZFiUxa2o?si=6_PXG...
Whether Folk, Pop, Latin, R&B, Jazz or almost any style, regardless of your level of advancement, you'll learn to do a version of the above in my class. This is what you will grow towards. You will become great if you show up and keep showing up. I first met Jason when I was teaching at fiddle camp when he was 15. That day in 2001, we played duos, and we have been friends ever since. He loves many styles, including classical, folk, and Jazz, and he's a great teacher.
I'm picky about hiring teachers. Maybe I'm a bit of a control freak, but I'd also like to think it's because I care about my students having a fantastic experience in class. Jason is among the few people I trust to teach my students. That is why he will be the featured guest teacher in Asheville during session B this July.
Austin Scelzo (more geared to folk styles like country, roots, and bluegrass) will be teaching Session A. I have equal trust in him. Both of these teachers are filled with love to give. They offer everything they have and are incredibly discerning across paradigms and domains. I would not hire them otherwise.
This is all to say that you are welcome to join us this summer to play duos, trios, and more.
I realize that coming to summer camp is a big lift, and it's not for everyone. But if it calls to you, know that our early bird deadline goes away on March 15th.
Learn more and save your place here: christianhowes.com/creative-strings-asheville-exte…
(Reply with questions)
2) Here's the other thing I told my class last night, including a former full-time member of the NY Met, a 20+-year HS Orchestra teacher, and several self-taught players age 35-80:
"We are all the same. The terms "beginner" and "advanced" are meaningless to me. We are all practicing together- you and me- to become the best versions of ourselves, period. I am committed to co-creating this community to support all of us. It's not about me. It's about each of you and creating something that lifts us all so we can each contribute to ourselves and the world around us in full-hearted alignment with zero resistance."
The next class is Thursday (replace by the day you want), and you can get support in many other ways. I've literally removed every possible block to your participation.
Check out the NEW Creative Strings Academy: christianhowes.com/csa/
Chris
P.S. Also, I plan to raise the price of the Academy soon significantly. I'm confident it's worth at least $150 per month. (Nathan Cole's classical violin teaching program is currently advertised for $275 per month or $3,000 per year.)
Here's the thing: The new Creative Strings Academy is "pay-what-you-can." We have a member in Kenya who pays $5 per month, and people on fixed retirement incomes or experiencing a financial setback pay between $8 and $25.
As I said, I've removed every possible block to your participation.
You can sign up on our page below at the suggested rate of $57 per month now (before I raise it), OR email me or my assistant ( info@creativestrings.org) and name the price you feel you can pay. We will accommodate you.
christianhowes.com/csa/
watch video on watch page
5 - 0
Practice for Happiness
According to an article in the NYT, February is the best month to set goals. Here's a way to take advantage.
It's the chicken and egg applied to you.
Which comes first, the doing or the being?
A two-minute exercise:
1. The Being
Write down what you want to be. In your mind, put it on like a shirt. If it doesn't fit, throw it away. If it fits, write an action plan.
- For example, "I want to be.....
- a guy with ripped abs
- a soulful-sounding bluegrass fiddler
- calm
- a TikTok celebrity
- a great Dad.
When I put it on like a shirt, TikTok celebrity doesn't fit; and ripped abs aren't as important to me as puff pastries.
Being a Great Dad feels right. My quick action plan: schedule time with my kids and study great parenting advice.
"Be calm" fits—my action plan: exercise, sleep, making lists, and EFT.
2. The Doing
Ask yourself what you want to do. For example, "I want to do a Jazz performance once a month two weeks of skiing next year well-paid, enjoyable gigs more catch-up calls with friends.
List any actions you think will be required to make these things happen. That's it.
Try it, and feel free to let me know how it goes.
Be great. Do cool stuff. Upcoming opportunities and deadlines:
Players and Teachers
Want to travel this summer? Consider this (christianhowes.com/creative-strings-asheville-exte…) opportunity to jam, study, get PD, and hang out with my friends and me in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains. Or join my practice community. We have weekly classes and materials that will keep you engaged for a while. Join here: www.christianhowes.com/csa/
Have a great weekend.
Chris
15 - 0
The short and long
a) The Short (Roundup)
Learn how to make content that's funny, educational, engaging, and musical: (1-minute watch: www.instagram.com/reel/C51B48AIX5M/?utm_source=ig_…)
Want to know how to sound less classical? Listen while you're driving or doing dishes: spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/tKF7cjIa2Ib
Beginning and intermediate players: Play these bowing exercises for sound and rhythm: https://youtu.be/1wi3QZC6U3k
***
b) The Long
If you’re a player, teacher, or freelancer, consider which of these assumptions apply to you:
1.- Assuming, “If I’m good enough, I should be able to hear it.”
This applies to rhythm, melodic improvisation, harmony, and learning songs. We assume that if we keep playing a song, we will eventually be able to “hear” perfect improvisations. It’s not true. Letting go of this assumption will unblock how you understand, hear, and feel music. You will understand and hear more once you study harmony and arranging.
2. Assuming, “If I'm a good enough natural musician, I should be able to feel it.”
This applies to technique. If you’re an advanced instrumentalist or teacher, you already know that learning without help is limiting. For self-taught players, when you let go of the assumption "if I'm good enough, I should be able to feel it", and you get support, you will gain technical skills faster.
3. Assuming, "If I'm good enough, I should be able to teach it."
This applies to teaching anything. You can teach it once you have experience and/or guidance.
4. Assuming, "If I'm good enough at what I do, money will come."
Money does not flow to freelancers just because they’re good at their work. Chances are, you are more than good enough. The quality of your work is not the issue. Money comes most reliably to those who are willing and able to offer their services appropriately and consistently to the right people over time and deliver on their promises. This is a skill that can be taught.
*****
One more assumption that held me back:
I used to think my role was to coach “elite” players, teachers, or freelancers.
I was wrong. I'm here to teach anyone hungry to learn—the abandoned, the unboxed, the lost, the confused, the person who doesn’t fit into the mold.
***
Learn more and join the community. I've removed every block to your participation:
christianhowes.com/csa/
Or...
If you want a measurable transformation in your teaching, practice, or career and are ready to commit/invest in getting that result, reply "Beta" to see whether my new premium coaching program is a good fit for you or how else I can help.
16 - 1
Announcement for STRING TEACHERS-
Based on requests, I'm opening a teacher cohort this FALL.
I'll provide a step-by-step curriculum with lesson plans and scores to teach Eclectic styles and related subjects
AND, provide support throughout the fall as you teach it in your classroom..
Email me at chris@christianhowes.com with the word "cohort" if you want info.
Chris
This FALL
I'll provide sequential lesson plans and curriculum (as a supplement)
-and provide regular support/feedback as you teach it
-plus related repertoire (scores), which you can (optionally) include in a concert.
- With applications in eclectic styles from fiddle to Latin, pop, R&B, Jazz, etc.
-Harmony, improv, groove, arranging, composition, and "jamming culture"
•It will include tracks for MS and/or HS
• It will support your other traditional objectives (technique et al).
22 - 2
Here is a partial list of upcoming Guided Practice Sessions.
Our community includes over 250 musicians- amateur, pro, teachers and students.
Contact me at chris@christianhowes.com if you'd like to try a class. We've removed any barriers to your participation.
March 31st at 11:00 AM (EST) OFFICE HOURS (1-1 coaching) with Chris Howes
April 1st at 8:00 PM (EST) Play-Along: Bluegrass Fiddle Mastery w/ Austin Scelzo
April 6th at 3:00 PM (EST) Scales and Modes
April 7th at 12:00 PM (EST) Advanced Play-Along with Chris Howes
April 9th at 7:00 PM (EST) Intermediate Play-Along with Chris Howes
April 14th at 1:00 PM (EST) Music BUSINESS and CAREER Coaching with Chris Howes
Monday April 14 at 7pm EST Play Along with Victoria Yeh: Mental Roadmaps - Learn strategies for keeping your place in a song form as you solo.
April 15th at 8:00 PM (EST) Play-Along: Bluegrass and Country Fiddle Mastery w/ Austin Scelzo
April 16th at 2:30 PM (EST) Play-Along Class with guest teachers
April 21st, 3pm EST Nourishing Our Nervous Systems with Sound with Madelyn Ilanailana. Explore how sound can be a powerful tool for regulating and nourishing the nervous system. Grounded in the principles of Polyvagal Theory, this class will introduce key concepts of nervous system regulation and resilience. Through voice work and instrumental playing, we will engage in practices that support healing, connection, and restoration.
April 22nd at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST) Play-Along with Chris Howes all levels
Tuesday, April 29th, 11 am est EFT Tapping Tap-Along for Stress Reduction with Suzanne Alfandari: therapist, Certified Expert EFT Practitioner, and contributing author to the “Clinical EFT Handbook: A Definitive Resource for Practitioners, Scholars, Clinicians, and Researchers, Vol. 1”.
***More classes are being added.
You can sign up on our main info page here christianhowes.com/csa/
Or you can email me to name your price. chris@christianhowes.com
With our Pay What You Want flexible option, anyone anywhere in the world can participate without financial barriers.
9 - 0
A Musical Reason to Be Uncomfortable
Although I don’t ordinarily utter words before 9 AM, I’m awake by 7:30.
I know. Why on Earth wake up at 7:30. Am I not a musician?
Yes. I hate mornings.
I’ve made myself uncomfortable for a reason—to sync my waking hours with my family.
My wife (who also avoids morning conversations) surprised me by talking this morning. I could barely process her words, but I nodded and listened—because it’s polite.
She mentioned that today is Lent. I responded with a blank stare.
But then she reflected on it in ways that I found interesting, and relevant for musicians.
The Power of Voluntary Discomfort
Lent is about giving up comforts. Judaism and Islam also practice forms of fasting and self-denial.
Why make ourselves uncomfortable? I don't know, maybe:
To connect with something greater. To feel closer to people who suffer(ed).
To break dependencies. Giving up what we think we need reminds us how little we actually do.
To create space for growth. Fasting leaves time to do something besides eat.
Musicians & Comfort Traps
We come to rely on things we don’t need to make music:
outdated practice regimens.
an air-conditioned, soundproof practice room.
managers, publicists, Instagram content 3 times a day
Sometimes, letting go of comforts forces us to grow into a more capable and happier musician.
You don’t have to do this because it’s Lent. You could try it anytime.
But Lent is one good reason.
With your reason in mind, the next logical question is what, i.e., how you will test to see what sticks and ignites a magic spark in your growth and happiness.
I am constantly experimenting with these ways and what's, sometimes with success (no alcohol for four months) and other times total failure ( unable to give up coffee shops).
If you're looking for a way to replace your comfort-laden habitual habitized routines with something different ...
that makes you stronger in your musicianship or teaching...
you could make a list of ideas.
Or I have something you could do today.
If you want to push yourself outside of your comfort zone in a way that makes you a better musician or teacher...
join my guided practice session today (or get the replay to practice with later)
It will challenge you.
It will push your brain in a new way.
And it will make you a stronger musician.
Why today? If you sign up today, you get a 2-for-1 deal—
Offer expires tonight. If that's enough reason for you,
grab it while you can here:
christian-howes.kit.com/products/play-along-class-…
12 - 0
Actionable strategies to help musicians grow. Helping bowed string players and teachers master harmony, improvisation, contemporary styles and find their creative expression through music. Weekly videos include jazz violin tutorials, electric violin instruction, free play-along lessons, "How to" string pedagogy, orchestra teacher resources, Suzuki violin teacher training, Music Business, & more for violinists, violists, cellists and string teachers.
A former Assoc. Professor @ Berklee College of Music, Howes was: ranked #1 Rising Star in the Downbeat Critics Poll. Nominated by the Jazz Journalists Association for "VIolinist of the Year". Awarded the Residency Partnership from Chamber Music America; Voted among the top 3 violinists by the Jazz Times Critics Poll. While a top call violinist in NYC, he collaborated with many stars in Jazz. He founded non-profit Creative Strings to expand music education via conferences, school visits, & curriculum. www.christianhowes.com