Any classical string player who has ever attended an improvisation workshop led by Christian Howes will tell you that it is a life-changing experience. In fact, for most classical-only players, the very thought of attending such a workshop is a radical…
Latest Articles
How to Groove on Strings
Tuesday, September 25, 2018We invited legendary electric violinist Tracy Silverman to tell us about what inspired him to create his groundbreaking new books on Strum Bowing. Simply put: There was no defined pedagogy for learning the rhythmic bowing required for non-classical…
Prepare to Transform Yourself Into a Total String Player
Friday, September 07, 2018In his last SHAR blog post, Christian Howes introduced us to his Creative Strings Academy and the pedagogy that he developed especially for string players. In this new article, Christian shares the lessons of a master.
Introduction to Creative Strings Academy
Monday, August 20, 2018For many classical string players, sticking with classical music is enough. In fact, it’s plenty. After all, the repertoire is incredible, and the technique required to play it is both challenging to learn and rewarding to use. But for others, it is…
The Total Violinist
Friday, August 03, 2018Most of us violinists (as well as violists, cellists and bassists) are our most comfortable in an orchestra setting. Of course, the music is fantastic, and usually very challenging to learn and play. But learn and play we do, after woodshedding our parts…
Making the Most of Your Classical Training, Part II
Monday, February 09, 2015One of our favorite bloggers, James Engman, had the chance to sit down with the up-and-coming eclectic musical group The alt Default. While the members of the group – Nathaniel Wolkstein, David Connor, and Hannah Nicholas – are all classically trained…
Making the Most of Your Classical Training, Part I
Thursday, February 05, 2015One of our favorite bloggers, James Engman, had the chance to sit down with the up-and-coming eclectic musical group The alt Default. While the members of the group – Nathaniel Wolkstein, David Connor, and Hannah Nicholas – are all classically trained…
Revolution Strings in China, Days Nine and Ten
Tuesday, July 02, 2013Think back to your high school days. You may have played an instrument, and you have been quite good at it. But did you ever get the chance to tour China with thirteen violinists, two guitarists, a cellist, and a bass player? And this was after you…
Revolution Strings in China, Day Four and Five
Tuesday, June 25, 2013Think back to your high school days. You may have played an instrument, and you have been quite good at it. But did you ever get the chance to tour China with thirteen violinists, two guitarists, a cellist, and a bass player? And this was after you…
Revolution Strings in China, Day Three
Monday, June 24, 2013Think back to your high school days. You may have played an instrument, and you have been quite good at it. But did you ever get the chance to tour China with thirteen violinists, two guitarists, a cellist, and a bass player? And this was after you…