JASON THEISTE

The Beginning

Jason Theiste began his musical journey when he picked up the fiddle just before he was 5 years old. His interest came to him from several generations of violinists in his family. He spent much of his youth practicing, jamming at jam sessions, and competing in contests around California and nearby states. He grew up playing a folk style called Old Time Fiddling. His musical experience paved the road to Idaho where he took first place at the national contest at age 8. From there he would incorporate classical studies to further develop his musicianship.

The Band

Upon entering high school Jason was instrumental in the formation of a country band with several of his older peers. The band made an album from which came a song that reached #1 on the independent radio charts. With a solid fan base and impressive record sales they caught the eye of record labels from Nashville. At age 17, Jason along with his bandmates signed a record deal with Curb records. They had two more successful albums and toured the US many times over. Once the touring slowed down Jason had time to focus on his musical studies at the university.

College

Jason studied music at CSUB with an emphasis in violin performance, particularly jazz studies. Through jazz improvisation and music writing assignments in class he recognized his interest in music composition. He developed this interest and would later explore the world of film scoring after he graduated from CSUB with his bachelors degree in music

Teaching

After graduation Jason began teaching stringed instruments at a private studio. He established a large student base which eventually lead to his own online music school called JT Musical Arts. jtmusicalarts.com  The school offers online music lessons for many different instruments to students all over the world.  While Jason teaches full time and runs his music school he is able to pursue his creative interests in his free time. His interests include writing, arranging, performing, conducting, and collaborating with others as opportunities arise. One of those opportunities was the reassembling of his former band, providing an avenue to write new music.

Film Scoring

While teaching and exploring new music with his reunited band, Jason decided to explore the world of film scoring by enrolling in the program at UCLA. Through the program Jason discovered the art of film scoring to be the culmination of all his musical experiences.  He is able to spend his time writing, recording, producing, mixing, editing, playing various instruments, collaborating, conducting, and enjoying all the elements of film scoring which proves to be a highly satisfying venture.