Chuck Bontrager is the very definition of the the versatile 21st-century violinist: classically trained, yet experienced in multiple performance styles, and fluent in several variations of his instrument including viola, chin-cello, mandolin and mandola, and especially his 7-string Wood Violins Viper electric violin.

Chuck currently serves as Concertmaster of the Chicago company of Hamilton: An American Musical. He has performed in over twenty other productions on the Broadway In Chicago series as well as with countless pop, rock and heavy metal bands, and numberous Chicago-area classical ensembles. In addition, he teaches at Columbia College Chicago and the Merit School of Music, and is a faculty member at the annual Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp (MWROC) where he joins a world-class group of performers and teachers, including Mark Wood, Rachel Barton Pine, David Wallace, and Tracy Silverman, in helping future generations find their creative voice.

To learn more about Chuck and his music visit chuckbontrager.com.

Music heard in this podcast is performed/recorded by Chuck Bontrager:

  • Intro: Nahum (David Wallace)
  • To Live Is To Die (Metallica arr. Chuck Bontrager and Jason Gianni)
  • Sober Trip (Tool arr. Chuck Bontrager and Vicarious)
  • Re-Ruption (inspired by Eruption - Van Halen)
  • Star Spangled Banner (arr. Chuck Bontrager)
  • Confusion (Nomadic)

Special thanks to Wood Violins, makers of the Viper, for their sponsorship of this episode.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.