Fiddle
Julian Oliver is a 20-year-old fiddler from Colorado with a deeply rooted passion for music. Growing up immersed in bluegrass, folk, and Western traditions, Julian first showed interest in his instrument at age three. His musical journey began with Suzuki violin lessons at age six. Not long after, Julian fell in love with Texas Style fiddling, which remains at the core of his musical identity.
Under the mentorship of Katie Glassman, Julian refined his craft, drawing inspiration from legendary fiddlers like Terry Morris, Benny Thomason, and Johnny Gimble. These influences fueled his success in the fiddle contest world, including his first win at the Colorado State Fiddle Championships at age 11. Julian’s passion for western, classic country, and swing music further shaped his artistry, leading to early performances at cowboy poetry gatherings across the U.S. and two years as a member of the Lazy B Chuckwagon Wranglers in Estes Park, CO.
Now a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Julian is pursuing a degree in Violin Performance with a Minor in American Roots Music and Effortless Mastery. His time at Berklee has expanded his horizons, blending his traditional roots with new techniques and genres. Julian’s recent accomplishments include touring Europe as a swing and country fiddler, winning his age division at the National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest in Weiser, Idaho, and collaborating with diverse musicians across various styles.
When not performing or teaching, Julian enjoys exploring creative pursuits like photography, writing, and cooking, and spending time outdoors in the mountains. With a dedication to preserving and evolving fiddle traditions, Julian brings a vibrant energy and insight to all his musical endeavors.
Instagram: @julian__oliver
