About Sandor Ostlund

Sandor Ostlund serves as Professor of Double Bass, Chair of the Performance Department, and Director of the Instrumental Studies Division at Baylor University. He is also the current President of the International Society of Bassists. A versatile performer and respected pedagogue, Dr. Ostlund brings an eclectic musical background to his teaching and artistry, with experience spanning solo, chamber, orchestral, early music, studio recording, jazz, and contemporary music.

As a soloist, Dr. Ostlund has appeared in recitals across the United States, performed concertos with orchestras, and been featured on live radio broadcasts. He has premiered numerous works for solo double bass, several written specifically for him, and his solo album Leap of Faith showcases many of these commissioned pieces.

Dr. Ostlund’s performance career includes work with a wide range of acclaimed ensembles, such as the Detroit Symphony, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Washington Bach Consort, Washington National Cathedral Baroque Orchestra, Dallas Bach Society, Philharmonie Austin, Wolf Trap Opera Company, Context, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, San Antonio Symphony, National Philharmonic, Le Sinfonietta de Paris, Madison Symphony, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and the Virginia Symphony. He has also served as Principal Double Bassist with the ROCO Chamber Orchestra.

In addition to performing, Dr. Ostlund is frequently invited to present masterclasses, clinics, and performances at festivals and universities throughout the country. His teaching engagements include the Texas Music Festival, National Music Festival, Penn State University, Northwestern University, SUNY–Stony Brook, James Madison University, Kansas City Bass Workshop, Austin Bass Workshop, Twin Cities Bass Camp, Golden Gate Bass Camp, Colorado Suzuki Institute, American Festival for the Arts, Shenandoah Conservatory Performing Arts Festival, Texas Double Bass Symposium, TCU International Bass Festival, Midwest Double Bass Symposium, and the Richard Davis Double Bass Conference.

Dr. Ostlund received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied with legendary bassist Richard Davis. He earned both his Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Rice University, becoming the first double bassist to complete a DMA under the mentorship of esteemed performer and pedagogue Paul Ellison. He also studied in Paris with internationally renowned virtuoso François Rabbath, earning both the performing and teaching diplomas from L’Institut International François Rabbath.

Before joining the faculty of Baylor University, Dr. Ostlund held teaching appointments at West Texas A&M University and Shenandoah Conservatory.