Rudolf Budginas began his piano studies at the age of four and made his debut at the age of nine with the Lithuanian National Symphony and subsequently trained at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. He moved to the United States in 1994, later earning a doctorate in music at USC. He resides in the San Luis Obispo area of California's Central Coast and teaches at Cuesta College. He is the Conductor/ Chamber Music Director at Thomas Aquinas College.

Rudolf is known for interacting with the audience, presenting information and humorous asides about the program. He has performed in Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Budapest, Salzburg, Cologne, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Riga, Moscow, Los Angeles, Seattle and Fort Worth. His artistic poetry, virtuosity, and passionate interpretations have received critical praise.