Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

About Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

Simplifying growth for musicians- especially violin, viola, fiddle, and cello players and teachers- with tips, insights, tools, and stories to grow in their practice, teaching, and career. Exploring intersections in creativity, music education, string playing, music business, and culture, Creative Strings is a non-profit organization supporting music education via online curriculum, orchestra classroom outreach, in-person retreats/conferences, and more. Executive director and host Christian Howes is a classically trained Jazz violinist helping string players to be versatile and creative.

Publisher

Christian Howes

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Sept 2014

Latest episode

2 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

71 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Dec 2025

   Musicians Redefining Success Mid-Career with Sarah Whitney

   For musicians who’ve been at it 10, 20, 30 years and suddenly realize the old definition doesn’t fit the life they actually want now. If you’ve hit a point in your career where things look successful on paper but don’t feel like success anymore, this conversation will land. In this interview, we dig into redefining success as a musician—especially for players who’ve been at it 10, 20, 30 years and suddenly realize the old definition doesn’t fit the life they actually want now.I’m talking with violinist and coach Sarah Whitney, someone who has worked with a lot of mid-career pros who are quietly burned out, overcommitted, or feeling stuck in the identity they built years ago. What she’s seeing in the field right now is something most musicians don’t talk about publicly.Connect with Sarah through her mailing list to receive invites to online networking events and support: https://sarahwhitney.myflodesk.com/ngf2keppgs We get into things like:. What happens when the dream you chased in your 20s no longer makes sense in your 40s or 50s. Why so many musicians hide that they’re unfulfilled. How career “success” can start running your life if you’re not careful. How to take back agency instead of waiting for the phone to ring. What it looks like to make a real pivot without blowing up your life. How to reconnect with the part of you that actually wants somethingAnd honestly, we both share some of our own story here—leaving big gigs, turning down opportunities, walking away from identities that once defined us, and building something that fits our lives now.If you’ve been feeling that something in your career needs to shift… or if you’re wondering whether you’re “allowed” to want something different… I think this will reassure you that you’re not alone.Follow Sarah Whitney:Instagram: @theproductivemusicianWebsite: www.sarahwhitney.com🎻 If you want support developing your musicianship, confidence, and creative voice, join us inside Creative Strings Academy:https://christianhowes.com/academyCHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome00:39 Changing Definitions of Success03:12 Making a Career Shift: Letting Go and Starting New06:18 Agency and Taking Control of Your Career09:35 Personal Stories: Family, Priorities, and Change10:32 Inspiration, Burnout, and Redefining Busy14:54 Practical Steps for Musicians: Action, Mindset, and Strategy19:17 Closing & Guest Plugs

2. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Jose Francisco Pérez Colón - A Contemporaneous Violinist From Dominican Republic In Europe

   In this episode, Jose Francisco shares his incredible story of starting the violin at 17 in the Dominican Republic, overcoming lack of resources, and rising to perform internationally. He discusses his early inspirations, the importance of finding one's own voice in music, and the challenges he faced along the way. This conversation also touches on cultural differences in musical experiences, particularly in church settings, and how these shaped his musical journey. Additionally, Jose emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and personal authenticity in artistic expression. You can reach out to Jose Francisco at his social media: https://www.instagram.com/jfstrings_/

3. 

   29 Apr 2025

   Can Learning Improvisation Improve Mental Health For Classical Musicians?

   Chris talks with a classical violinist and PhD researcher, about the emotional toll of traditional training and how improvisation supports well-being. She explores nervous system regulation, perfectionism, and mindfulness techniques that help musicians feel more confident, expressive, and whole. This conversation offers practical tools and mindset shifts for any musician, parent, or educator seeking a more balanced and emotionally intelligent musical path.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 Anne Marie's Background and Research Motivation01:42 Challenges in Classical Music Training03:01 Improvisation and Emotional Health05:38 Mindfulness in Music Practice09:59 Chris's Personal Musical Journey12:32 Global Perspective on Classical Training18:19 Integrating Improvisation in Classical Pedagogy23:14 Practical Steps for Teachers and Parents33:42 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

5,940,341

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

32 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

85

Contact Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.