Great original music, recordings, jazz and classical music performing ensembles and music instruction by one of Connecticut's most respected teachers are all here at russbecker.com.

Welcome to russbecker.com.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and also wish to thank everyone who has been supportive of me and my music, including students, parents, fellow musicians, and those that purchased music, recordings, and offered opportunities for live performance.

I think that regardless of political viewpoints and preferences, 2017 was an unsettling and tumultuous year here in the U.S.A.  I am hopeful that We The People can come to terms with the true realities facing our country and the world and become united in an effort to offer our children, and future generations, the possibility of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.  Our children need and deserve to grow up in a world led by mature adult citizens that put virtue, morality, knowledge, education, and the common good above selfish personal profits and political power.  Let's please all work towards that in 2018.

I had to delay the start of our winter term here at the Russ Becker Woodwind Studio, but will commence with lessons for clarinet students February 5th.  The term will run eight weeks through March 31st and will be followed by a spring term running from April 2nd through May 31st.  I am teaching clarinet students only and have availability for a couple of new students at this time. Please see my Teaching page for details. 

Following our successful Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn project, and the subsequent recording of a dozen of their incredible pieces, the Russ Becker/Stephen Roane Duo is beginning work on a similar mission with the music of one of America's great musical masters, the jazz titan John Coltrane.  Writing and performing arrangements of some of his difficult, yet compelling, music is a challenge both Steve and I will relish.  The Duo had some wonderful concert events this past fall including the Artists for World Peace "One Concert, One Child" series at Hubbard House in Middletown, CT.  An enthusiastic full house audience made it a special evening that included guest artists Wendy Black Nasta, vocals, and Bob Nasta, guitar (see photo below).  Please get in touch directly for booking and availability of The Duo.

The Flying Particles trio featuring master musicians Bob Nasta, Kevin O'Neil and Russ Becker, continues to create exciting new music and started off the new year with a recording session that included the busy L.A. based drummer Miles Nasta, a truly fantastic musician.  Check out our soundtrack to "Marchen" on You Tube which is based on excerpts from Grimm's Fairy Tales with German language narration by Claudia Paul.  We also released a video on You Tube, by the trio, of our piece "Flying Darts".  We had another super successful film event in October, adding an original soundtrack to the John Barrymore classic "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".  Stay tuned for another presentation of this program, by popular demand, later this winter in East Haddam, CT, and the upcoming release of another new Flying Particles recording in the coming weeks.

If you are not on my mailing list for performance, recording, or teaching updates, please get in touch by going to my Contact page.

I also continue to perform and compose music in a variety of styles and settings, and have recently been blessed with some fine performances of my original chamber music and requests to write more.  In addition to concert settings, my music has been written and performed for weddings, bar mitzvahs, holiday settings, poems, love letters, and more. A unique, original, and special piece of music is the ultimate addition for a unique and special occasion or event.  Contact me to discuss the possibilities!

Please check out our Calendar for the array of shows, concerts and other musical festivities happening this season. 

Thanks for supporting the arts in our community and thanks for visiting russbecker.com.