Jonathan Ruckman, cellist, is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) and an alumnus of the Grammy-winning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO). Mr. Ruckman began his musical journey as a Suzuki student of Martha Vance in the Washington, D.C. area. He continued his studies with Oliver Edel at the Levine School of Music before becoming a Young Artist at CIM. Mr. Ruckman ultimately completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at CIM, studying with Richard Aaron and Stephen Geber, the former Principal Cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra.

After completing his studies at CIM, Mr. Ruckman obtained a position as the Interim Assistant Principal cellist with the LPO. Mr. Ruckman served as a first-desk cellist with the LPO from 2004-2007. As a cellist with the LPO, Mr. Ruckman appeared in performances throughout the New Orleans area as a first-desk player. While a member of the LPO, Mr. Ruckman obtained lifetime tenure and was elected to the Board of Trustees.

Since 2007, Mr. Ruckman has been a freelance cellist, performing and teaching first in the Greater Washington D.C. area, then moving to Louisville, KY in 2013. Mr. Ruckman is a regular substitute cellist with the Louisville Orchestra. Mr. Ruckman has also appeared as a guest artist on numerous chamber music series, including Music for a Purpose, the Derby City Chamber Music Festival, and the NouLou Chamber Players. Mr. Ruckman maintains a private studio out of his home in Indian Hills, KY, where he lives with his wife and three young children.