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Christian Howes grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he studied violin through the Suzuki method from the age of five, performed as a soloist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at age 16, and later earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Ohio State University. Since then, he has gained respect from critics and players alike, establishing himself as a world class jazz violinist and educator. Christian was a favorite of the late Les Paul, with whom he worked closely for 11 years. Following a three year tenure as Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, Christian returned to his hometown in order to be close to family and set out to build his career exclusively as a bandleader and entrepreneur. In August 2011, Christian was ranked as the #1 “Rising Star” violinist in the Downbeat Critics Poll and nominated for the Jazz Journalists Association’s “Violinist Of The Year”. In 2012, he was voted among the top three violinists in JazzTimes’ “Expanded Critics Poll.” The same year, he received the Residency Partner Award from Chamber Music America for his educational outreach with school orchestra programs. He now regularly tours throughout Asia, Europe, and the U.S. as a leader of his own groups and a soloist with orchestras. Howes toured Ukraine in June 2014 at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy.
Christian regularly visits school orchestra programs offering “Creative Strings Residencies,” combining collaborative performances with interactive clinics. Since 2007, he has also built an innovative online production business, “Christian Howes String Recording,” which provides live string sections and more to music producers worldwide via a remote, collaborative “virtual” orchestra. Christian is an active blogger, and he is frequently engaged to speak regarding music education and music business. He has worked with homeless, atrisk, and prison populations, as well as humanities departments at universities, incorporating diverse social causes into his broad, inspirational message.
Extended Rhythmic Techniques for Violin and Cello (Beyond “The Chop”)