ERNEST BRUSUBARDIS IV
Violin, Fiddle, Mandolin
Ernest Brusubardis IV began musical studies at the age of 4, studying piano from his Mother and Grandfather. At 6 he began violin with Mary Ellen Meyer, and continued his studies with Dr. Bernard Zinck at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
After receiving a Bachelors in Fine Arts (Violin Performance) from UW-Milwaukee in 2012, Ernest went on to earn a Masters in Music (String Emphasis) from UWM in 2016. During his graduate studies, Ernest was coached by Dr. Zinck and Professor Elena Abend, as a member of the Sorkin Institute of Chamber Music.
Performing in Latvian Song Festivals in Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Hamilton, Ontario, Ernest has also collaborated with the Riso Quartet, the Milwaukee Latvian String Quartet, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and was Concertmaster of the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra for their 99th (2017) and 100th (2018) seasons.
Ernest enjoys playing folk, bluegrass, and hot jazz, while doubling on the mandolin.
These genres have blessed Ernest with opportunities to tour Germany, Poland,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain and throughout the United States.
Ernest's work can be found in several Milwaukee based projects, including Chicken Wire Empire. In the midst of this hectic schedule, Ernest also teaches privately in his East Side home, and has instructed at Hartford Union High School and the Pius XI High School Academy. Ernest currently resides in Milwaukee with his wife and two children.
