Jeffrey's first musical experience was listening to pop 45's. He chose to play the Double Bass at age 12. Later in his youth, a foster parent who built and played pipe organs took him to every Chicago and Milwaukee Symphony program that played in Milwaukee.

Mr. Holsen first studied music formally at the Milwaukee high school of the arts with Charmaigne DeNoyer. His first Double Bass teachers were Karel Netolicka and Roger Ragger; second and first chairs with the Milwaukee Symphony. He earned his Bachelor of Music in performance at the University of Arizona studying with Patrick Neher. Mr. Holsen has also studied at master classes and seminars given by many other well respected bassists. Prior to joining the TSO he played with many southeast Wisconsin orchestra and ensembles. To date his most enlightening musical experience was a job playing bass in an east European gypsy and variety group from 1983 to 1987 at the Old Town Serbian Restaurant in Milwaukee. He was often invited to listen to the leaders' many eccentric recordings.

Mr. Holsen currently teaches seven students. He belongs to a group in Tucson which plays Klezmer music and enjoys playing with the University of Arizona's Balalaika orchestra. His musical hobbies include playing cimbalom, (the Hungarian Gypsy Dulcimer concert Hammer), ethnomusicology, and collecting bizarre recordings. His non-musical hobbies include hiking, camping, yoga, reading, and good food.