Rodney Wirtz, violist, is a Southern California native who is active as a freelance musician in the studio scene, performing with numerous orchestras, collaborating on recordings and film soundtracks with renowned popular artists, and touring with them in the United States and abroad. He holds a BM Degree in Viola Performance from California State University Long Beach, studying with John Hayhurst, and an MM Degree from the University of Southern California, studying with Donald McInnes. In the last few years, his most memorable projects have been with Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Ron Isley, Michael Jackson, Barry Manilow, Arturo Sandoval, Silversun Pick-ups, Marco Antonio Solis, Barbra Streisand, Taylor Swift, John Williams, Yellowcard, and many other notables. In 2014 he toured internationally with recording artist John Legend for his “All of Me” tour, and continues to perform with a variety of artists and diverse ensembles, including the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Muse/ique Orchestra, and the Santa Barbara Symphony. He currently teaches viola at East Los Angeles College.