Judson Baines began playing music at the age of 9 with the electric bass before picking up the double bass in his public school system at the age of 11. A native of North Carolina, he was born in Wilmington and raised in the Raleigh area, where he began his private studies with Bob Anderson of the NC Symphony.  

Judson received his Bachelor’s Degree in Double Bass Performance from the University of North Texas in 2019, studying with Jeff Bradetich. Afterwards he pursued a Master of Music degree for a year studying with Timothy Pitts at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music before winning his position with the CSO. Additional mentors include Paul Ellison, Craig Brown of the North Carolina Symphony, and Paul Sharpe, with whom he studied for a year at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts high school program in Winston Salem, NC.  

Judson has spent several summers at music festivals across the country including the Aspen Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, and the Wabass Institute for the 21st Century Bass Player, where he worked with Hal Robinson, Eric Larson, and Ranaan Meyer. While in school, he performed with the Fort Worth, San Angelo, and Shreveport symphonies.  

Outside of the orchestra, Judson loves to spend time with his family and friends. He also enjoys being outdoors, whether running, hiking, or biking. Having a keen interest in the music of J. S. Bach, Judson loves to explore creative solutions to navigate through the technical challenges that adapting his music to the bass (and other instruments) presents. He continues to play electric bass regularly and has an interest in writing music.