Creative Strings with Violinist Christian Howes

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

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_/

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

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.

Discover the joys and challenges of parenting musicians in this heartfelt episode of the Creative Strings Podcast. Christian Howes sits down with 15-year-old songwriter Sun Jackson and her father, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer D.D. Jackson, explores their inspiring father-daughter bond through music.This episode dives into:🎶 The emotional story behind Sun’s song Fair Friend, written at age 12 during a snowy afternoon.🎸 How Sun’s songwriting process combines raw emotion, chords, and storytelling.🎹 D.D.’s insights on balancing encouragement with creative freedom as a parent.From building a home studio to recording Sun’s debut album September Friday, this dynamic duo shares how music became their shared language—strengthening their relationship and sparking artistic growth.Whether you’re a parent, musician, or creative, this episode will inspire you to embrace the connections that fuel creativity.📀 Stream Sun’s album September Friday: https://open.spotify.com/album/4bSNOE3SFu8uwIOsY4iHfx📀 Explore D.D.’s work: https://www.ddjackson.com/🔗 Special thanks to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop. If you have questions about electric violins, pedals, amplifiers, and all kinds of gear, visit www.electricviolinshop.com or call 1-866-900-8400 during business hours. A human will speak to you.

Break free from the “never good enough” mindset. Chris interviews clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ellen Hendriksen to explore how to overcome perfectionism as musicians. Whether you're a performer, teacher, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you: . Understand the roots of perfectionism in musicians. . Differentiate healthy striving from destructive self-criticism. . Navigate the pressure to link self-worth to performance. . Cultivate self-acceptance while maintaining high standards. Dr. Hendriksen, author of How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists, shares powerful strategies for breaking free from the "never good enough" mindset. Learn how perfectionism affects musicians, teachers, and creatives alike, and how to balance excellence with self-compassion. You can get to know more about Dr. Hendriksen and her work on her website: https://www.ellenhendriksen.com/ 🔗 Special thanks to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop. If you have questions about electric violins, pedals, amplifiers, and all kinds of gear, visit www.electricviolinshop.com/ or call their phone number during business hours: 1-866-900-8400. A human will speak to you. 🎧 Subscribe to the Creative Strings Podcast for more episodes like this: https://open.spotify.com/show/3b55vHA0NyQqXgp0Nk7Y6h 🔥 Let’s Connect: 🌐 Website: christianhowes.com 📺 YouTube Channel: @ChristianHowesViolin 📩 Join the Creative Strings Academy: https://www.christianhowes.com/csa/

Discover the transformative journey of Rebecca Clare Douglas in this episode of the Creative Strings Podcast, where musical diversity takes center stage. From earning a music degree at Oxford to becoming a multifaceted folk musician, educator, and author, Rebecca shares how embracing diversity in her music brought freedom and joy. 🎻 Learn how she transitioned from classical to folk music, finding freedom that classical training didn’t offer. 🎼 Explore her work with the Highland Fiddle Band, her original fiddle duo, and the inspiration behind her book of fiddle tunes. 💡 Hear her philosophy on balancing teaching, performing, and parenting—and why community and being "your own patron" are essential to her approach. Rebecca's story is a testament to the power of musical diversity to transform rejection into freedom and inspire creativity. If you’ve ever felt “not good enough” as a musician, this episode will reignite your passion for playing and remind you why you started making music in the first place. You can get to know more about Rebecca and her work on her website: https://www.rebeccaclaredouglas.com/ 🔗 Special thanks to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop. If you have questions about electric violins, pedals, amplifiers, and all kinds of gear, visit www.electricviolinshop.com/ or call their phone number during business hours: 1-866-900-8400. A human will speak to you.

Discover 21 daily habits for musicians to grow and enjoy their practice, teaching, or careers more. In this video, Christian Howes shares practical tips to optimize routines, set goals, and find happiness in your musical journey. Designed for teachers, players, and music entrepreneurs, these habits help you improve performance and well-being. Learn specialized tips for music teachers, let go of unhelpful habits, and join Christian's community for support and accountability. Watch now to transform your habits as a musician Join Creative Strings Academy: www.christianhowes.com/csa/ Explore the upcoming events: https://christianhowes.com/live-events-page/ 🔗 Special thanks to our sponsor Electric Violin Shop. If you have questions about electric violins, pedals, amplifiers, and all kinds of gear, visit www.electricviolinshop.com/ or call their phone number during business hours: 1-866-900-8400. A human will speak to you.

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.