Andrew Bukowinski, Cello

Andrew Bukowinski grew up in Oklahoma, where he began playing cello in the public school system and quickly grew attached to it. He earned his Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude from Arizona State University, and his Master of Music with distinction from DePaul University. Throughout his studies, he had the opportunity to perform in solo master classes for Andres Diaz, Bernard Greenhouse, Monica Huggett, Phillipe Muller, and Menahem Pressler, as well as chamber music for the St. Lawrence, Orion, and Brentano string quartets. His principal teachers were Thomas Landschoot, Stephen Balderston, and Jeffrey Lastrapes. A frequent performer in the region, Andrew has played with the Illinois Symphony, Rockford Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Southwest Michigan Symphony, and Chicago Chamber Orchestra, and maintains an active freelance schedule.

In the summer of 2012, Andrew traveled to Peru, where he taught and performed with colleagues from around the world. Since moving to Chicago, Andrew has continued his passion for bringing music instruction to underserved communities, and serves as the cello Teaching Artist for the Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project (ChiMOP) in the Belmont Cragin Neighborhood.

Aside from his work at ChiMOP, Andrew maintains a busy private teaching schedule. His students have ranged from beginners to advanced college students, and from age 5 to retired. Always eager to further enrich his teaching, Andrew attended the Chicago Suzuki Institute last summer, where he earned his Book 1 certification with Barbara Wampner and had the opportunity to observe and learn from many inspiring teachers.