Jason Busniewski

With a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Oklahoma School of Music and a Master of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Jason is presently in pursuit of a PhD in ethnomusicology at the latter institution. He has immersed himself in music from a variety of cultures, including those hailing from Scotland, India, the Middle East, West Africa, Indonesia, and North America. Throughout his career, he has showcased his musical talents with different groups in diverse concert venues, from Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa to Cairo's prestigious Opera House. For the past twenty years, he has pursued Irish fiddling with passion, and at present, he is dedicated to safeguarding the multiethnic old-time music of the Upper Midwest and Wisconsin. Jason does so by leading his group, the Lakeside Ramblers, teaching students, and performing on stage. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Folklore Village in Dodgeville, WI, and has received an American-Scandinavian Foundation Folk Arts and Cultural Traditions Fellowship to create a book and recording of the music of Otto Rindlisbacher, a Wisconsin fiddler.

As an instructor, Jason employs pedagogical techniques taken from various parts of the world, placing a special focus on tuning and temperament, essential yet often overlooked elements of string instruction. His pupils' lessons will be customized to meet their individual requirements, with a strict focus on perfecting the basic skills and developing successful musicianship principles.