Christian Howes grew up in Columbus, Ohio and received a degree in Philosophy from the Ohio State University. Following 10 years in New York City making a name on the international jazz scene and touring the world , he has recently returned to raise a family, anchor his touring and educational activities from his hometown of Columbus.
The Minneapolis Tribune calls him “arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz”, while the Chicago Reader says: “Not since Jean-Luc Ponty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority.”
Christian was awarded the #1 spot in Downbeat magazine’s Critics Poll (Rising Star Violin) in 2011. He was also nominated for “Violinist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2011.
Following a string of self-produced albums through the ’90s, Christian stepped into a larger arena by moving to New York, where he soon became an in-demand figure on the scene. A classically-trained player, he quickly earned a reputation in jazz circles by playing with the likes of trumpeter Randy Brecker, trombonist Steve Turre, guitarist Joel Harrison, pianist D.D. Jackson, saxophonist Greg Osby, drummer Dafnis Prieto, Dave Samuels’ Caribbean Jazz Project, Bill Evans’ Soulgrass, crossover pioneers Spyro Gyra and the legendary guitarist-inventor Les Paul.
As an Educator:
A former associate professor at the Berklee College of Music, Christian Howes founded his innovative Creative Strings Workshop in 2003– a week-long camp occurring annually in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, which attracts students of all ages and from all over the world. Through intimate instruction from some of the top creative string players, and an intense performance schedule at venues throughout the city, participants gain experience with improvisation-based music and the life of a gigging musician.
He has been invited to teach or present at The New School, Singapore International String Conference, Oberlin College, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of New Mexico, University of Southern California, Ohio State University, IAJE, NAMM, IMEA, OMEA, KASTA, FMEA, AASTA, the Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, Jazz Connections, and hundreds of high schools and middle schools. Christian endorses Yamaha violins and pickups, and D’Addario strings.
