Denis Dufresne began his journey with the violin at the age of 4 under the tutelage of William van der Sloot.  14 years of classical violin training allowed Denis to acquire the technique and skills he would need to become considered one of the premier fiddle players in the country.

Furthering his education out of high school,  Denis attended Capilano College in North Vancouver and earned a degree in Jazz Performance.  Immediately after finishing his final jury he was contacted by Calgary fiddling phenom Dean Marshall to join his all star fiddling creation known as the Fiddlers GF (later to become known world wide as “The World’s Hottest Fiddle Show”, BARRAGE).  In Barrage,  Denis developed skills in the celtic, country, and world styles of music.  It also allowed him to see a great majority of the globe by touring and playing in over 15 different countries.

After leaving Barrage,  Denis was contacted by Native Canadian actor/musician Tom Jackson to join his production of the Huron Carole.  This allowed Denis to perform with some of Canada’s top musical talent in the country, jazz and rock idioms.  After meeting and performing with country music mega stars Michelle Wright and Aaron Pritchett, Denis quickly became one of the top call multi-instrumentalists in the country music scene.  He has been nominated for 2 Gemini Awards (Canadian Emmy), a Canadian Country Music Award for “Fiddle Player of the Year” and was selected by CMT Canada to star in a television show with his band PEAR.

PEAR is gaining heavy accolades as one of the best crossover country bands in Canada.  They will be finishing their album in Nashville through the month of May.  Release is set for early 2009.  Among PEAR, Denis also plays with several bands including Jason Blaine and Deric Ruttan.  He resides in Calgary with his wife Lynae and son Jochanan.