Brent Rusinow’s interest in music was evident from an early age, when he performed at home on toy instruments or improvised using household items. His first formal training began in kindergarten with the violin. Growing up in Milwaukee, Brent began to expand his musical horizons beyond classical violin to bluegrass and Irish fiddle, and during his adolescent years his interest shifted to more mainstream popular music. His instrument of choice evolved during this time from violin to guitar, and finally at age 14 to his true passion, the bass. Key musical influences during this time included a wide range of artists from Michael Jackson to Herbie Hancock to Led Zeppelin.

After moving to Boston in 2002 to study Economics at Boston University, Rusinow began intensive private study with renowned Berklee College of Music Professor Jim Stinnett. A command of both the electric and acoustic bass has aided him in adapting to various musical genres. This versatility, in addition to the creative energy that Rusinow brings to the stage and recording studio, has placed him in high demand in the Greater Seattle music community.

During his time in Boston and now Seattle, he has had the privilege of working with a variety of top-level musicians such as Hadley Caliman, Oteil Burbridge, Michael Manring, Matt Jorgensen, Thomas Marriott, Dave Marriott, Todd Johnson, Jim Stinnett, Danny Morris, Dino Gavoni, Joe Hunt, Dom Moio, Charles Haynes, and Dave DiCenso, among others. Rusinow’s collaborators continue to influence and enrich his musical style and direction. As a faculty member at Stinnett’s Bass Workout intensive workshops and at the New Hampshire Bass Fest, he has also developed into an educator effective at working with musicians of all ages.

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