A Suzuki-trained violinist from Columbus, Ohio, Christian Howes grew up winning classical competitions and went on to pursue jazz, rock, fiddle, blues, and world music, distinguishing himself as one of the premier improvising violinists in the world. He was voted first place in the 2011 Downbeat Critics Poll ("Rising Star/Violin") and nominated by the Jazz Journalists Association for "Violinist of the Year."
Christian founded his own online learning site, the Creative Strings Academy, to provide curriculum for teachers to offer improvisation, harmony, and eclectic styles in the classroom.
He served for three years as an Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music after founding his own annual Creative Strings Workshop and Festival in 2003. The annual, week-long conference provides teen and adult string players an opportunity to experience a rigorous schedule of public performances, jam sessions, rehearsals, and clinics, all with a focus on improvisational music.
Christian collaborates with string teachers around the world, with the generous sponsorship of Yamaha and D’Addario, to provide workshops and guest performances for K-12 string programs, college, and private studios.
Christian has been invited to present or teach at The New School, Oberlin College, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of New Mexico, University of Southern California, University of Arizona, University of Michigan, Ohio State University, IAJE, ASTA, NAMM, IMEA, OMEA, KASTA, FMEA, ASTA, the Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, the Berklee String Fling, Jazz Connections, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and hundreds of high schools, middle schools, and private studios throughout the United States. He has also taught in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy, Australia, and China.
