Texas Violinist
- Dallas, TX
- Violinist
- 271 Verified Bookings
Yamilett T. said “Was very quick to respond, played all the songs I requested and was very sweet and attentive all of our guests were talking about how amazing he played!”
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Hi there! Thank you for viewing my profile! I am a classically trained violinist who has been teaching and gigging in the Houston area for the last several years. I love playing music, and my goal with each performance is for the audience to love listening to me as much as I love playing! I offer services as a solo musician for smaller, more intimate events, and can also act/be booked as a liaison for duets, trios, quartets, and other ensembles of various compositions! Want a string quartet for a wedding? Done! Violin and voice for a loved ones funeral? Done! I look forward to being a part of your events, be it a wedding, funeral, work party, surprise engagement, and more!
Dustin was punctual and his performance was fantastic. Thank you for making my special day perfect .
We asked Dustin to learn and play “A Moment Like This” and other songs on short notice and he delivered nothing short than a masterpiece performance. We were all so impressed with his skill on the violin. He was very easy going and flexible showing patience through a schedule delay. Thank you so much ! You made our special day even more special with your violin!
Dustin was uncommunicative throughout the entire time up to my wedding. He wouldn’t respond to inquiries or messages and I had to pester him for responses. I was concerned but figured he would come through with a great performance in the end.
A day and a half before my wedding, Dustin cancelled on me mentioning a range of excuses from his “grandmothers funeral” to a long term neck injury. All of his excuses seemed disingenuous and ridiculous. My wedding was ruined because of Dustin. We were unable to find a replacement in that short amount of time. The least Dustin could have done was offer to find a replacement himself. Instead, he sent us a some names of violinists, none of whom could perform so last minute.
To add insult to injury, Dustin criticized my fiancé for acting upset when he told us the news, stating that he also has a right to be disappointed because he “lost out on money”.
A horrible experience overall. Dustin ruined my wedding.
Response from Dustin Cunningham:
Hi Sara!
My deepest apologies, again for having to cancel. Injuries are an unfortunate part of any physical activity, and playing the violin is no different. I wish I could have avoided it, as it pains me that I caused y’all so much stress leading into your big day. I offered to find you a replacement, to which your fiancée replied he would take care of himself, so I sent you a list of several violinist I know in the city. I am sorry to hear that none of them could step up in time.
The combination of general physical stress from playing and the rigors of travel from attending my grandmother’s funeral did a number on my neck and shoulder, yes. I am sorry that it was not regulated better to allow me to perform. I was not in a great place, physically or mentally, and was confident, based on the advice of my physician, that were I to perform, I would do further physical damage to myself and play so poorly for you that this review would be coming through with the same rating, albeit for quality of play rather than a most unfortunate set of circumstances. I thought you could find someone or at the very least have your selected music played through the PA system by your DJ, and that would go much better.
I also want to apologize to you and your fiancée for my rudeness in the conversation. I was in pain, and deeply saddened to have lost my grandma, but those things are no excuse for how I acted and the way I spoke to him. I know I cannot fix the past, but I hope that the happiness you find together will eventually outweigh the disappointments of that day for which I had a part.
I wish you all the best,
Dustin
I hired Dustin about 2 months before my wedding, but I did not have the songs I wanted played picked out yet. He was very professional and responsive, and answered all of my questions with in depth and very helpful answers. I hired him for an hour (very reasonably priced as well!), and I asked if he could come 10 minuted early, and he did. I did not have to worry about anything, my coordinator said he was very easy to work with and he stretched and shortened the songs i wanted to fit my timing with ease. I did not have my songs picked out until a week before my event, and yet he still played them so beautifully, I was completely stunned as I heard it walking down the aisle. The beauty of just a single violin being played masterfully was the perfect touch to my wedding. The space was outdoors, and about 10 rows of people in front of the altar, with Dustin sitting behind them all, and I could still hear the music loudly and clearly! If you are thinking about just playing music through a speaker as you walk down the aisle, I only ask that you look up a violin cover of the song you want to play and really listen to it. Then, if you decide that it's better, hire Dustin Cunningham.
Response from Dustin Cunningham:
Danielle! Thank you so much for your kind words! It was fantastic working with y’all, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my performance! Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your amazing themed wedding!
Price Range: $150 and up
Gig Length: 60 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
Dustin Cunningham is a locally grown Houston area violinist. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah before his family relocated to Texas quick as they could, opening the door for him to begin studying the violin in school at the age of 10. Since then, he has been inseparable from his violin and making music, having played in orchestras and ensembles throughout Houston and the United States, including on such stages as Sarofim Hall, Jones Hall, the Moores Opera House, and The Grand 1984 Opera House, at Lincoln Center Square in New York City, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He recently gave a solo recital at the University of Houston in November 2022.
He has studied with Dr. Jackson Guillen of Terra Nostra Ensemble, Dr. Javier Pinell, professor of violin at Sam Houston State University, and currently with Dr. Kirsten Yon at the University of Houston. Dustin has performed in masterclasses with James Dunham, Will Fedkenheuer, and the Formosa Quartet, and regularly performs at various private and public events throughout the city. He loves playing small-ensemble chamber music, watching a good musical (or playing in one), singing along in the car, eating chocolate covered almonds, and relaxing with a nice glass of chocolate milk after a long day.
Pop/Modern:
Skate- Silk Sonic.
Sparks Fly- Taylor Swift
Better Now- Post Malone
Love Yourself- Justin Bieber
Viva la Vida- Coldplay
Love on Top- Beyoncé
Happier- Bastille and Marshmello
I Like Me Better- Lauv
Locked Out of Heaven- Bruno Mars
Billie Jean- Michael Jackson
Only the Good Die Young- Billy Joel
Don’t Stop Believing- Journey
and more…
Yamilett T. said “Was very quick to respond, played all the songs I requested and was very sweet and attentive all of our guests were talking about how amazing he played!”
Bailey M. said “We will definitely use her for our future events.”
Renee M. said “He performed for my sister's birthday party and was absolutely amazing! On time and very personable with the crowd and my family! Highly recommend…”
Michelle B. said “Jasper is a talented and professional young man that breathed life into my fundraiser with his impeccable playing. All of my guests were impressed and…”