Jason Pegis

Jason Pegis is an Instructor of Music – Cello and Music Theory at Colorado Mesa University. He holds a PhD in Musical Arts from UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, with additional degrees from McGill University and Willamette Music. His expertise spans classical and contemporary cello performance, chamber music, and music pedagogy.

Education:

• Doctorate of Musical Arts, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music (2020)
• Master of Music, McGill University (Max Stern Fellowship)
• Bachelor of Music, Willamette Music

Research interests center on recontextualizing classical music canons, modern performance practices, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His 2021 article on Victor Herbert’s cello concerto exemplifies his focus on underappreciated repertoire.

Notable achievements include solo performances with the UCLA Symphony Orchestra and Eugene Symphony, as well as premiering commissioned works by contemporary composers. He is a member of the VEM Quartet (recorded on Naxos) and affiliated with the International Cello Institute.

Awards include the 2020 Piatigorsky Festival Fellowship and multiple competition distinctions. He performs on an 1880 Neuner-Hornsteiner cello from the Carlsen Cello Foundation.