Teacher Profile: Oswald Backus
About Oswald Backus
Oswald Prentiss Backus V is a highly accomplished Double Bassist and multi-instrumental specialist renowned for his outstanding musical performances and impressive collaborations. As a Music Education specialist, he teaches all Strings, Piano, Guitar, and Woodwinds / Brass and actively serves K-12 school music programs in the D.C. Metro Area.
Oswald earned his BA in Classical Bass Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2008 and completed the Double Bass Performance Program at Boston University Tanglewood Institute in 2004. Oswald further enriched his musical knowledge by obtaining an MA in Music from the University of Kansas in 2016.
Notably, Oswald has had the privilege of performing alongside esteemed artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Victor Wooten, members of the Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and San Diego Symphony. His talent and skill as a double bassist have also led him to be part of prestigious recordings, including Gil Shaham's recording of Dvorak's Violin Concerto.
Throughout his career, Oswald has showcased his versatility and expertise by holding various positions in prestigious orchestras like the New Mexico Philharmonic, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Wichita Grand Opera, among others. He played with the KU jazz choir and was the Principal Bass of the Wichita Grand Opera, highlighting his experience working with professional singers. He also performed with Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winner Audra McDonald with the Sioux City Symphony.
In his teaching career, Oswald is an experienced string teacher, including guitar, piano, Violin, Viola, Cello as well as voice, sharing his knowledge and passion for music with the next generation of musicians. His experience ranges from starting young beginners from ages 5 and up, through college prep for Strings students. No matter the level, or instrument, Oswald believes in a holistic approach to teaching music that is rooted in solid technical and music-reading skills from the start. In addition to this strong base of study, Oswald also strives to make learning an instrument fun and rewarding. He often brings in familiar selections and pieces for his students and is a big believe in positive reinforcement with students.
With an unwavering dedication to excellence in his craft, Oswald P. Backus V continues to leave a profound impact on the world of classical music: captivating audiences (and fellow musicians alike) with his exceptional performances, as well as contributing to the success of music students who will influence the next generation.