Christian Howes

A new AI tutoring app for classical music students allows them to record excerpts and receive immediate assessments on rhythm, intonation, and supposedly "expressiveness".

So... an AI tutor could soon replace me—
The one sitting beside my son, listening to every note as he practices?

But I know my son.
I know when to say something and when to stay quiet.
When to let six missed notes go, and gently point out one.

How will the app know that?
If an AI tutor can do all the work, what's left for a teacher?

It may allow teachers to take on the role of “guide.”
Or more community building, relationship building, character building....

In my conversation with Jessica Amir (below), she shares insights that helped me to think about building community and relationships- things which are harder for AI to replace.

And if AI tutors can assess rhythm and intonation, what about creativity?
Teachers- If you'd like to teach improvisation and eclectic styles, take a look at the new Eclectic Styles Method/cohort for this fall.

Let's normalize This for musicians

We say, "Support the arts!" but feel shame discussing money.

We hear, "Music is essential." But the second we talk about pay or quality of life? Suddenly, it’s a passion, not a profession.

We hear, "Be grateful for your cush teaching job and stop complaining."

We’d pay a plumber $350 for an hour but feel bad charging $100 for a two-hour gig with a long drive.

Let’s normalize talking about money. Because without resources, no one can make music.

The Music Career Problem

Once you accept that it’s okay to want to build a career that serves your needs, the main problem for so many self-employed musicians is indecision.

Circling between different strategies and goals—never landing on a clear action plan.

Meanwhile, money, time, and opportunities stay the same.
Sound familiar?

One right action can change everything. The hard part is choosing and following through.

That’s where coaching comes in.
If you were my mentee, I’d help you sort through the noise and focus on what will move the needle.

Examples of how one decision changed things for my coaching clients:
-Letting go of a gig/job/client blocking a better opportunity.
-Realizing they were offering their services to the wrong people.
-Raising their rates.
-Learning how to sell their services in a way that felt authentic.

So, let me ask you (hypothetically):
-If getting help could gain money, time, or alignment, would you want it?
-Is there one thing you’d like to implement in your career?
-One thing you’d like to let go of?

If you answered yes to any of these, join me tomorrow (Thurs) at 7 PM EST.
Can’t make it live? No problem—you’ll get the recording.
​Buy your ticket here:

Career Mastermind for Musicians, Teachers, and Creatives This is for serious professional musicians who want more money, time, or alignment.

For Musicians who want to break free from the "never good enough" mindset

In this new interview for Creative Strings Podcast clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ellen Hendriksen shares 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.

https://youtu.be/WdO95zbBakA?si=GPia60aIZxZlq8eE

Many thanks to Electric Violin Shop for supporting Creative Strings Podcast. Call them at the phone number on their website ElectricViolinShop.com to speak w a human about your needs related to all things electric strings

How to Overcome Perfectionism as Musicians with Dr. Ellen Hendriksen Chris interviews clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ellen Hendriksen to explore how to overcome perfectionism as musicians. Whether you're a performer, tea...