Dr. Rudolf Budginas (Dr. B) holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Southern California and currently serves as Chair of the Music Department at Santa Rosa Junior College.

A classically trained, award-winning pianist and commercial music educator, Dr. B brings a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation to his work. He has distinguished himself as an international pianist, performing solo, with orchestras, and as the leader of cross-genre ensembles.

Among his many performances, Dr. B has collaborated with a range of notable artists, including guitar virtuoso Kenny Lee Lewis of the Steve Miller Band, metal band drummer John Whitney (City Sleeps), and acclaimed jazz vocalist Inga Swearingen. He has performed solo in major venues such as the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, the Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, and the PAC San Luis Obispo.

Dr. B also held a national concert contract with the artist management company Live On Stage, through which he headlined over 100 concerts across 32 U.S. states. He is a frequent special guest for international organizations, including the European Union and embassy events in Washington, D.C., and regularly gives masterclasses and adjudicates piano competitions across California. He is also a keynote speaker, including the TEDx series in Northern California.

Previously, Dr. B was a faculty member at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California, and served as the director of the orchestra at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California. In addition to these academic roles, he established an independent recording studio and produced original jazz, rock, and electronic music projects throughout California’s Central Coast.

Upon joining the SRJC Music Department, Dr. B revitalized the college’s digital audio program, including the upgrade and ongoing maintenance of a state-of-the-art recording studio. He also played a key role in developing a vibrant commercial music curriculum that bridges performance, songwriting, sound engineering, and electronic music production.

With an extensive background as a concert pianist, arranger, producer, and recording artist, Dr. B is known for breaking down barriers between musical genres while maintaining a strong classical training foundation. Whether teaching aspiring performers or tech-savvy creators, he is shaping the next generation of versatile and forward-thinking music professionals.