Today we’d like to introduce you to KeyReel Raskolenko.
Hi KeyReel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my musical journey at seven years old in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, at the kind of classical music school that existed all across the former Soviet Union. I completed the full 11-year program at the Special Music School named after V. A. Uspensky, where I not only studied violin but also added composition and symphony conducting. While I haven’t continued with symphony conducting (who knows, maybe I will someday?) violin and composition have stayed with me side by side ever since.
From there, I continued my education at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, studying violin performance and pedagogy for five years while also developing my work as a composer. And this is the institution where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. After graduating, life became a whirlwind of orchestras, chamber music, and all kinds of gigs.
A major turning point came about two years later when I discovered Celtic music. It started with Irish traditional tunes and after a year or two expanded into Scottish styles. That discovery opened an entirely new door for me, blending classical technique with the rhythm, groove, and variational freedom of folk tradition. Around that time, I also held a regular gig at the legendary Café Margarita, where improvisation was the rule. I didn’t know much about jazz violin yet, but that experience became my gateway into even more freedom.
As I explored more styles – groove-based playing, chops, and improvisation – it became clear I needed broader horizons. That eventually led me to Texas Christian University, where I pursued my Artist Diploma – an ideal program to polish and showcase your skills – which I completed seven years ago. While my program focused on classical performance,
I refused to limit myself to one style, as you can imagine: for example, my second recital was played entirely on a 5-string violin, including cello, viola repertoire and my original pieces specifically for 5-string instrument – “Images” for 5-string violin and orchestra, available on Youtube and it played twice already!
My third recital, in addition to the classical repertoire, included the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle (Hardingfele), a beautiful instrument with playing and sympathetic strings on it. I performed two compositions written in the Norwegian fiddle style on an authentic Norwegian instrument. One of them was actually my arrangement of two tunes and it’s available on Youtube.
And finally, on my last recital of the program, I presented a mix of classical repertoire alongside Jazz, Celtic music, and electric violin improvisations using pedals and tracks from Ableton app on MacBook Pro.
When I moved to Texas, another musical world opened up. Here I discovered Texas fiddle and the Western swing tradition, which naturally led me deeper into jazz studies. Since then, I’ve been performing jazz regularly—yet another musical language added to my collection, alongside classical, Celtic, and contemporary styles.
Today, my musical world is intentionally wide. I move between classical halls and pubs, between Celtic sessions and jazz Manouche (Gypsy Jazz), between acoustic violin and electric rock. I enjoy being multilingual in music – switching styles, textures, and traditions as naturally as switching spoken languages.
As a composer, I’ve performed several of my original works, including a movement from my string quartet at TCU and Images for 5-string violin and orchestra with the McKinney Philharmonic. I have my 5 pieces for flute and clarinet and 3 piano pieces performed at TCU as well. Now I’m planning my next album, which will explore a mix of genres and blend acoustic and electric instruments in electronic compositions.
This journey has always been about curiosity, versatility, and expanding my musical vocabulary. That’s who I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My music road has been mostly exciting and smooth, but definitely not without its challenges. My early years in music school and pre-college were wonderful and gave me the foundation I still rely on today. But during my second year at the Russian Academy of Music, I faced something that many musicians quietly struggle with: stage anxiety.
It was severe at that time – I absolutely loved music, but the intensity of the competitive academic music environment, especially the constant committee evaluations, took a toll on me. At that time, it was severe enough that I eventually had to take a break from performance classes for about half a year just to reset mentally.
The good part is that this break became a turning point: it was the period when I finally started adjusting and cleaning up my posture and instrument hold, which is extremely important for violinists. You truly need to be comfortable to play the instrument – especially one as famously “uncomfortable” as the violin. I released a lot of tension I had been carrying in my playing for years without realizing it. Now, as a teacher, I understand how difficult it is to control these things – sometimes the tension is subtle, hidden, and not visually obvious at all.
Another struggle came when I tried to enter the Moscow Conservatoire as a composition student over 20 years ago. I was fully prepared musically, but for reasons unrelated to my professional ability, I didn’t get in. Looking back, that was a difficult moment, because composition has always been a big part of who I am.
The good point here is that I never stopped writing music. In fact, during that period I composed several works for acoustic instruments – string quartet, woodwinds, orchestra, and piano. But it’s also true that this setback slowed me down for a while.
A similar disappointment happened about 15 years ago when I hoped to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I wanted to dive deeper into non-classical techniques and modern musical language, but the cost was simply too high. As an international student, taking out loans for a program like that was nearly impossible. Financially, it just couldn’t happen.
The good point in this story is that I didn’t slow down. Instead, I started playing a 5-string violin and began picking up a lot of modern technique on my own. I learned most of it by myself – again, thanks to my earlier education and my love for music. And look at me now: I’m here in Texas, playing a wide variety of styles with modern violin and fiddle technique fully integrated into my work.
Another challenge – one that shaped me tremendously – was learning traditional fiddle styles while living in Moscow. There were NO traditional fiddlers around, so becoming fluent in that musical language wasn’t straightforward. Early YouTube and online resources back then helped, but most tutorials focused on left-hand technique, which was never my issue in this style. What I really needed – right-hand technique, bowing, articulation, groove – was rarely explained because it’s more nuanced and complex. I eventually caught up thanks to international summer camps, workshops, and visiting fiddle players who passed through Russia.
And it didn’t stop there – as I said, those summer camps took me worldwide. I traveled to Scotland, Canada, and the United States to bring more knowledge and inspiration into my musical baggage.
And I’ll add this: young musicians today have access to the largest amount of information in history – resources that simply didn’t exist in the ’90s or even the early 2000s. So much is available now – you just need time, curiosity, and the willingness to dive in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional musician who wears many hats – violinist, fiddler, arranger, composer, contractor, and teacher. My work spans several musical worlds, and that variety is a huge part of who I am.
As a violinist, I perform classical music in many forms: solo appearances, chamber concerts, and string quartet work. I also play regularly with several orchestras throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area, covering everything from symphonic programs to pop and film music.
On the jazz side, I perform with multiple groups and appear at local jazz performances and festivals. I’m part of the Glenn McLaughlin Band, String Theory Manouche, and La Pompe, exploring everything from swing to Gypsy jazz.
As a fiddler, I’m deeply involved in Celtic and folk traditions. At the moment I play with Celtic Standard Time – a trio featuring fiddle, guitar, and bodhrán – and we’ve performed locally, including at Sundance Square Music and the North Texas Irish Festival in 2025. I also founded a new trio called TriFidlan, featuring two fiddles and cello, a project I’ve dreamed about for years. Both groups are planning to appear at NTIF 2026. Beyond Celtic music, I collaborate widely and occasionally step into country fiddle as well.
One of my most exciting current projects outside of Celtic music is That One String Quartet. We’re an unconventional, modern-minded ensemble preparing to release two EPs on all major streaming platforms. We already have five pieces on YouTube, and after our debut concert this summer, we’re getting ready for our next performance this January at Gillespie Tavern at The Shire.
And this isn’t your typical classical string quartet – we play everything from classical alterations/variations, jazz to rock covers, and we actually mean it, using modern string techniques like chops, grooves, and contemporary articulation. Plus, two of our members are singers, so we perform songs as well. How cool is that? A string quartet that can play modern styles and sing at the same time! I’m incredibly proud of this project and hope it has a long, exciting future.
I’m also working on a long-anticipated album of my own original music – a blend of acoustic and electronic elements with both acoustic and electric violins. It will be one of my biggest personal releases in years.
Outside of performing, I run my own company, KeyReel Music, which specializes in providing music for events – from solo violin to string ensembles of different styles or mix.
Teaching is another part of my life. I work with middle and high school students, teach private lessons when my schedule allows, and proudly direct North Texas Celtic Strings, a learn-by-ear ensemble for kids and adults. We performed at NTIF 2025 and give recitals every semester.
So what sets me apart? I think it’s the combination of versatility and authenticity. I don’t just “dabble” in different genres – I strive to speak each musical language fluently, at least where I claim that. Whether I’m playing classical music, jazz, Celtic fiddle, or electric violin, I approach each style with respect, study, and intention.
Music has many dialects, and I love being able to communicate in all of them. Well, at least for the styles and genres I claim, I truly strive to be capable. But at the end of the day, we’re all musicians – always learning, always studying throughout our entire lives.
What matters most to you?
Music-wise:
What matters most to me is authenticity in music and the continuous growth that comes with it. I want to stay true to the styles and traditions I play. Music has so many languages and dialects, and I feel a responsibility to honor each one properly – not just to “play” a genre, but to understand its technique, its culture, and the people who shaped it.
Another important part of my work is sharing knowledge. Teaching, directing and watching students discover their own musical voice is incredibly meaningful to me. I didn’t always have access to the resources we have today, so giving others a clearer path – especially in styles that require ear training and nuance – feels essential.
When it comes to communication, I prefer direct honesty – whether it’s critique, compliments, or anything else. It’s important to receive a message clearly and understand where you can improve. Finding the right balance in feedback can be difficult, but if I have to choose between overly polite words that say almost nothing or meaningful constructive criticism, I will always choose the deeper critique. It helps me reflect and grow, and I truly value that – especially when it comes from the people I honor and value most in my life.
And of course, what matters throughout my musical journey is staying curious. Music is a lifelong process. You can perform for decades and still learn something new the next day. That mindset keeps me grounded, inspired, and excited to keep going.
At the end of the day, music connects people. If I can help create that connection—whether in a concert hall, a pub session, a classroom, or a recording studio – that’s something I genuinely value.
Life-wise:
What matters most to me in life is connection – staying open-minded, understanding where you are, who you are, and what you’re working toward.
Family is a big part of that: both the one you come from and the one you build. Staying close with relatives is easier now with video calls and online communication, but it can still be challenging, especially when politics and/or distance get in the way. That’s why having family locally, right here, is so important – supporting each other, feeling supported in return, and, of course, sharing LOVE.
Good friends matter just as much. Sharing exciting news – or not-so-exciting news – talking, laughing, debating, arguing, and simply being alive together.
In short: socialization, connection, and community.
In general:
Staying curious and feeding that inner child – the creative one who always wants to explore and build something new – has always been important to me. I love the process of imagining, trying, shaping, and discovering. And honestly, fixing something that’s broken or replacing a part and seeing it work again brings me real satisfaction too. It’s one of those small victories in life that I’m genuinely proud of. And that mindset applies not only to music, but to everything else.
And above all – never stop trying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.key-reel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyreel_fiddler
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyreelfiddler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeyReel-fiddler
- Other: https://www.keyreelmusic.com
