John Dahlstrand was born in 1978 and started playing at age 8. His rapid progress lead him to study with Chicago Symphony bassist Roger Cline. From 1995-1999 he studied at the Indiana University School of Music with Lawrence Hurst, whom he knew from his summers at Interlochen, Michigan.
While a student at IU, he won numerous competitions and honors, including the 1999 Concerto competition, with a noted performance of the David Anderson Bass Concerto, and the Performer's Certificate in 1999. He was the winner of the ASTA biannual string competition of 1998 at both state and national levels.
He spent three summers as a fellowship student at the Aspen Music Festival from 1997-1999. During two of those summers he was runner-up in the double bass concerto competition.
From 2001-2010 he was a core musician with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra working with the orchestra and providing educational outreach to the state of Arkansas through the symphony's Arts Partners program.
John is currently contrebasse seconde soliste (assistant principal bass) of the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire in Nantes, France.
John is the co-founder of Millenia Music and Duo Millenia, along with harpist Elisabeth Chardonnet. Inspired by the unique sound of double bass and harp he has written and arranged numerous pieces for his duo. His works are published by Millenia Music.When he is not rehearsing performing or recording, enjoys cooking, handy work and construction as well as origami.