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Stuart Ross Carlson (b. 1996) has had the distinct privilege to learn from some of the finest teachers/artists in the world including: (violinists) Rodney Friend, Yuzuko Horigome, Simon James, Siyeon Ryu, Joel Smirnoff, Aaron Berofsky, Joan Kwuon, and Danielle Belen; (composers) Evan Chambers, Paul Schoenfield, Michael Daugherty, and Bright Sheng; and (violist) Caroline Coade. Stuart holds two Undergraduate Degrees (violin performance, composition) and two Graduate Degrees (viola performance Master’s degree, viola performance Specialist Degree) from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Stuart is a published arranger/composer – Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” for solo violin, “Amazing Grace” for violin and piano, “Carols of Christmas” for string quartet and “Carols of Christmas” for string orchestra. He has also been fortunate to win numerous competitions – including the 2016 VSA International Young Soloists Competition and the 2017 University of Michigan School of Music Concerto Competition.

Stuart is a member of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and regularly performs with the Michigan Philharmonic where he was a featured concert soloist in 2020. He has also enjoyed performing across the US, UK, and Europe as a soloist and ensemble member. One of his many highlights includes being chosen as the John F. Kennedy Center representative for the 2013 Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. He performed for an audience that included Yo-Yo Ma, Matt Sorum, Cristina Pato, and many US Senators and Members of Congress.

Stuart is proud to play violins made by the Voller Brothers (1887) and Feng Jiang along with a viola by Grubaugh & Seifert.  He enjoys traveling, listening to popular music, and is a licensed ham radio operator (W8SRC).

New Song Released November 1st, 2023!

“(Electric) Currents”, a new composition from Stuart, is set to be released November 1st on all streaming platforms! This new song is a fun, virtuosic song that blends rock, bluegrass, and Irish music into a delightful original instrumental rocker! It features several incredibly talented musicians including: Isaac Alderson (tin whistle), Mark Pierce (electric bass), Brad Philips (guitars), Mike Shimmin (drums), Jacob Warren (acoustic bass), Bubba Wilson (mandolin), and – of course – Stuart on violin! Stuart is very grateful to each of these amazing musicians for their virtuosic work and to Solid Sound Recording studio owner/engineer Eric Wojahn!

You can also check out Stuart’s 2022 album projects: “Portrait of a Landscape: SEASONS” (bluegrass and classical songs) and “Carols for Christmas” (string quartet performances) ALONG WITH his original arrangement of “The Last Rose of Summer” complete with Irish instrumentation (and the same amazing musicians) and new lyrics. “TLROS” was released in June of 2023. All of these songs are available for purchase/download from this website and on your favorite streaming service!

In Case You Haven’t Heard, Here’s More On His First Two Albums!

PORTRAIT OF A LANDSCAPE: SEASONS. In 2021, Stuart received a commission from the PBS television station KTWU in Topeka, Kansas to provide recordings of 6 original compositions and arrangements. This music is featured in a 4-part series titled “Portrait of a Landscape.” The first episode aired in Kansas markets in December of 2022, the second in March of 2023. The entire series is scheduled for a national PBS release in early 2024!

CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS. Stuart spent the summer of 2022 recording 8 Christmas Carols for string quartet that includes an original composition “Christmas Morning” (formerly Christmas Sinfonietta) and several other popular carols. This music was previously published by Keiser Southern Music and the sheet music can be purchased on most online music stores.