Creative Strings Podcast with Violinist Christian Howes: Exploring intersections between creativity, music education, string playing, DIY music business, and culture. Creative Strings is a non-profit organization with a mission to support music education

Neil Fong Gilfillan and Rachel Samson are creative, inspiring young string teachers. Together they run the teaching studio in Frisco, TX called Chili Dog Strings . This husband and wife duo combine a love of tradition in the Suzuki method with a curiosity for adventure, showcasing the complimentary styles they bring together in their teaching studio. They serve their local community with private and group lessons, plus workshops in area schools. They are making a lot of noise online with their cool video and blog content, leading and serving the worldwide string playing community. Listen to Creative Strings Podcast Episode 24 where we discuss these teaching methods and more including: - What does it take to be a good teacher? - How can the Suzuki method be reconsiled with teaching contemporary styles? - How can we retain young kids’ interest in making music education fun without sacrificing discipline? - What is the importance of the “Suzuki triangle?” - Dispelling misconceptions about the Suzuki method Please take a moment to visit our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on “all things electric strings.” While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin. I’ve been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family. Learn more about Chili Dog Strings below: chilidogstrings.com/blog facebook.com/chilidogstrings instagram.com/chilidogstrings youtube.com/chilidogstrings Clips Used in this episode: Drop it Like Gavotte – Neil Fong Gilfillan Twinkle Arcade - Neil Fong Gilfillan Boom Bap Cello - Neil Fong Gilfillan June 1st Freestyle - Neil Fong Gilfillan On Green Dolphin Street – Christian Howes Waltz for Bill – Christian Howes

Although he is a versatile classically trained violinist, Earl Maneein has taken the path less traveled, pursuing his passion for extreme music. Scroll down to listen in on Episode 23: - Earl's definition of "Heavy" or "Extreme" Music - Earl's projects "Black Heart Sutra," "SEVEN)SUNS," and "Resolution 15" - Moving between classical and extreme music - His path to developing a career as a full time artist while maintaining his street cred in the heavy music scene Please take a moment to visit our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin (you can check out my video review here). I've been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

Bryan Wilson is a cellist, composer, educator and author of the book Cello Chords. He wrote, produced, and just released a solo debut "Oso Perezoso" , and has played in and managed the post-rock band You Bred Raptors? since 2011. Scroll down to listen in on his hilarious and fascinating insights in Creative Strings Podcast Episode 22, during which we cover: - Performing in NYC Subways - Booking tours and running an indie rock band as a business - Breakdowns of several songs off his new album, and a look at his approach to education, composition and production. Please take a moment to visit our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin (you can check out my video review here). I've been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

Scott D. Laird is the Fine Arts Coordinator at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics where he directs the orchestra and teaches courses in Recording Technology, Classical Guitar and Piano, and Music History. I've always admired his ability to navigate the worlds of classical, modern, and participatory musical styles- as a player, conductor, and teacher. We sat down to talk about bringing these worlds together through the lens of a string teacher. Scroll down to learn about: -Technical proficiency vs functional musicianship -Dealing with harmony, improvisation, and arranging in the group and orchestra classroom -When does teaching functional musicianship start? -Applying technique and tone in the context of a large ensemble -Groove and pocket in the orchestra -Do teachers have a responsibility to teach different ideas? -A litmus test for teachers: know your subject, speak to the students at their level, and come from a place of love Please take a moment to visit our sponsor Electric Violin Shop www.electricviolinshop.com/creativestrings, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin. I've been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

Over thanksgiving I sat down with New York Times bestselling author of The School of Greatness (and my little brother) Lewis Howes. Lewis is a world-class athlete and business guru who's top-rated podcast has over 25 million downloads. Lewis and I discuss how artists can be successful by setting a clear vision and concrete ways of achieving them.

- commit to run your career like a business and set aside time each week to working on your business articulate very specific goals (no more than 3) Create a specific action plan (a sales and marketing campaign) Create or refine your marketing assets execute If you're tired of the status quo and want to jumpstart new projects, jump on a call with me while availability lasts to discuss your business https://meetingwithchristianhowes.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=1941490 Many thanks to our sponsors at Yamaha and Electric Violin Shop for their continued support of Creative Strings Podcast!

"We get to completely change perceptions every time we step on the stage..." Fusing Hip-Hop and Classical I first heard Black Violin when they won Apollo in 2005, and followed them over their 10+ year career following. I was excited to finally meet Kev and Wil and talk with them about Black Violin, how they got started, their influences and goals. Scroll down to listen in and learn about: Kev and Wil's upbringings, and how they got into classical music. How neither of them had a lesson until High School Their efforts to reach out to kids through education Huge thank you to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin (you can check out my video review here). I've been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

"I really enjoyed finding myself in different contexts and being able to explore different parts of myself in different styles." Classical Cellist turned multi-style master I sat down with Cellist Mike Block to discuss his classical training (Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master's for Julliard) and how he moved into alternative styles. We also discuss the importance of music camps including the Mike Block String Camp, the Global Musician Workshop and the Creative Strings Workshop. Scroll down to learn about: Mike's classical training and how it helped him transition to playing in multiple styles His happiness "checklist" and how he applies it to the various aspects of his performance, education and business The life-changing potential of string/music camps His work with Yo-Yo Ma and world influences There's still time to register! For the 2016 Creative Strings Workshop and Festival July 3-9, 2016 near Columbus, OH. Immerse yourself in a week of fun and music with world-renowned faculty. Podcast guest Mike Block is a prior attendee of the Creative Strings Workshop and as you will hear in the podcast, he highly recommends attending as many camps as you possibly can! Huge thank you to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin (you can check out my video review here). I've been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

In this Short Episode of the Creative Strings Podcast, host Christian Howes shares his tribute to Prince. Prince embodied creativity. His fearlessness, versatility, soulfulness, and ability to continually evolve have always been an inspiration to me. When I heard that he passed away I immediately felt compelled to drop everything and work on one of his songs, leading me to arrange and record a cover of the classic "Sometimes It Snows In April". Receive master playing tips right in your EMAIL inbox: http://bit.ly/CreativeStringsECourse Realize your potential and learn from the world’s finest players and teachers at the Creative Strings INTENSIVE: http://bit.ly/CreativeStringsWorkshop Learn to play jazz and improv with over 200+ instructional videos in the Creative Strings ACADEMY:http://bit.ly/CSAfreetrial Subscribe to the Creative Strings PODCAST: http://bit.ly/CSPiTunes (iTunes) // http://bit.ly/CSPStitcher(Stitcher) SUBSCRIBE to Christian Howes’ YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/CHYoutube JOIN the Creative Strings community on Facebook: http://bit.ly/CreativeStringsFB LIKE Christian Howes on Facebook: http://bit.ly/CHowesFacebook FOLLOW Christian Howes on Twitter: http://bit.ly/ChristianHowesTW

In the second of a two part interview, I sat down with my former colleague at the Berklee College of Music, Mark Simos, to discuss the strategies featured in his book Songwriting Strategies: A 360-Degree Approach. Improvisation as a historic part of the classical composition process Songwriting and improvisation as part of a balanced music education Tune writing and generating new material much more Huge thank you to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha electric violin (you can check out my video review here). I've been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

In the first of a two part interview, I sat down with my former colleague at the Berklee College of Music, Mark Simos, to discuss the strategies featured in his book Songwriting Strategies: A 360-Degree Approach. I think you'll find that these strategies apply to writing tunes in all genres. If you're like me, you probably struggle in various ways to complete, or start, original compositions. Listen in below and start using these strategies right away to start, and finish, more of your own works! "Song seeds are the most valuable kind of starting process" Scroll down to learn about: The 360 degree approach "Song Seeds" - how to capture a short idea and grow it into a full composition Translating song seeds across variations in lyric, melody, rhythm and harmony Using different forms of restraint to enhance your creativity Huge thank you to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on "all things electric strings". While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha electric violin (you can check out my video of it here). Christian has been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years and have been great partners.

“We can be kind to one another without comprising excellence…” At the Heart of the violin world, Violinist.com founder Laurie Niles sits down with Christian Howes to discuss the start-up and success of violinist.com, a large community of violinists across all styles, genres and experience levels.

ModernMusician.co's Colin Thomson joins Christian as they discuss social media and business strategies for musicians, listen below as you learn about: How to build an audience across social media platforms Key tips for musicians on Instagram Ways to grow revenue as a musician This episode is brought to you by the Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call them at 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered. It is also brought to you by Yamaha. Having personally worked with Yamaha for more than 18 years, I can personally vouch: They're a major force for good in the bowed strings world, producing string instruments of the highest quality. If you haven't yet, make sure to try one. (Hint: Call Electric Violin Shop!)

At the intersection of story telling, philosophy, education, and old time fiddle music lives Joe McHugh, a musician who travels with his wife Paula in their group, The Time Travelers. From moving to West Virginia at the age of twenty to buy a farm, to living and learning traditional fiddle music in Scotland, Joe has used his experiences to carve out a career which encompasses: serving as the founding director of the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, hosting a series on folkways of Appalachia for West Virginia Public Television, and performing with folk legends Pete Seeger and U. Utah Phillips. Through art and story telling, Joe has immersed himself in the mythos of the violin and can capture anyone's attention and compel them to listen. Learn more on the show notes page at www.christianhowes.com

We begin our 2nd season of the Creative Strings Podcast live at the 2015 Creative Strings Workshop in Columbus, OH. Christian sits down with 4 of the hottest young Creative String players (dubbed "the Young Guns") and discusses their various practice techniques, exercises and moving between various fiddle styles. Meet the Young Guns Eli Bishop From the age of 3 until 11, Eli studied the Suzuki violin method. After completing the eighth book of the method, he began studying traditional classical music under the instruction of Cornelius Heard at the Blair School of Music, which was part of Vanderbilt University. Under Connie Heard’s instruction, Eli learned to play standard classical violin repertoire. At the age of 16, Eli’s interests shifted from classical to western swing. At this point, Eli began studying with Nashville legend, Buddy Spicher and spent the next year mastering western swing music. While enrolled at the Nashville School of the Arts, Eli studied swing and jazz music on the violin and also began playing the guitar. Now a sophomore in high school, Eli’s grew more and more interested in jazz music, specifically bebop. A close friend at his high school suggested he learn the tunes, “Donna Lee” and “Freedom Jazz Dance”. That was what ignited the desire in Eli to become competent in this style of music. Alex Hargreaves Violinist Alex Hargreaves is an active performer, playing on stages around the world including Austin City Limits, A Prairie Home Companion, Grand Ole Opry, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo, Newport Jazz Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, as well as venues in the UK, France, Italy, Canada, and South Korea. He is a member of world-renowned mandolinist Mike Marshall’s Big Trio, along with bassist Paul Kowert (Punch Brothers) and has toured with the trio extensively following the 2008 release of their self-titled album on Adventure Music. Matt Glaser, artistic director of Berklee College of Music, American Roots Program, states simply, “Truly, Alex Hargreaves is the best young jazz violinist in America.” Mike Barnett I’ve been having a blast travelin’ and performing around the country and internationally with heroes of mine. Having grown up in Nashville, I have a special place in my heart for bluegrass and country music. Fiddle camps- Mark O’Connor String Conference, Christian Howes’ Creative Strings Workshop, Mt. Shasta Fiddle Camp---have provided a tremendous source of inspiration and exposure to incredible players from a wide variety of genres. The great bluegrass fiddler Aubrey Haynie inspired me to record my first CD “Lost Indian” when I was 14. One summer at Crystal Plohman’s ‘International Fiddle Camp’ at Vanderbilt, I had the great honor of working with Bobby Hicks, Buddy Spicher, and Vassar Clemens, three of the finest people and fiddlers there have ever been. They willingly showed me everything I could get my ears on. Greg Byers Since Greg started playing cello at 2 1/2 he has immersed himself in many branches of music, each cumulative aspect elevating the others: performance, composition, recording, education, entrepreneurship. His debut EP Some Dark, Beautiful Morning was orchestrated jazz fusion, but his newer work finds Greg as singer/songwriter; a nuanced interplay of natural and artificial, nature and technology. The language of music is unique in that it can provide every listener with similar yet distinct messages of truth, beauty, freedom; this has motivated Greg to express his own authenticity through precise songwriting and improvisation. This episode is brought to you by the Electric Violin Shop. Visit the Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear & accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order.