Omar

Omar Ruiz-Lopez (he/him) is a distinguished musician and educator currently based in Durham, NC, with a remarkable command over multiple instruments, including violin, viola, guitar, and mandolin. His roots lie in North Carolina, having been a part of the burgeoning Triangle music scene for 13 years until his move to Nashville in 2023 and back in 2025.

Since his time in Nashville, Omar has played and record with artists such as the GRAMMY-nominated band War and Treaty, Lizzie No and Langhorne Slim, and cowritten with songwriters such as Rachel Baiman and GRAMMY-winning Melody Walker (Sierra Ferrell, American Dreaming). He is currently working on an EP with Willa Frank (Paper Wings) and a full-length album with Rachel Baiman producing.

Born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, Omar's early exposure to traditional Caribbean folk songs, courtesy of his father, laid the foundation for his deep appreciation for music. Spanish is his first language, and it remains an integral part of his cultural identity.

Together with Lizzy Ross, Omar co-founded the Americana group Violet Bell, where their collaboration seamlessly intertwines top-notch songwriting with a variety of musical landscapes. Omar, a bilingual songwriter and undercover composer, crafts music that beautifully reflects his cultural roots entwined with a rich tapestry of diverse musical influences.

With a wealth of experience in music business, production, and engineering, Omar is not only a skilled performer but also a dedicated educator. His role as a Teaching Artist underscores his commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians. His extensive teaching expertise extends to coaching chamber music ensembles and conducting. This includes a 10-year period of having worked with Kidznotes in Durham, the non-profit free orchestral music program for kids ages K-12.

As a Latiné immigrant and a versatile musician spanning multiple genres, Omar has a unique ability to connect with diverse international audiences. His music serves as a bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation across cultural boundaries.