Rüstem Nurkenov was born in Ayagoz, Abai Region, Kazakhstan.

 

He began his musical education at the Ayagoz Music School (under N. Nashanova) and continued his studies at the Mukan Tulebayev Music College in Semey (under G. Karimova). He graduated from the Kazakh National University of Arts with a degree in Dombyra Performance (under E. Basygaraev) and later completed a master's degree in Ethnomusicology (supervisor: R. Nurtaza). He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the Kazakh National University of Arts.

 

As a performer, he represents the Arka shertpe tradition and was trained by the renowned kuishi, writer, and scholar Talasbek Asemkulov. He also studied the tradition of three-stringed dombyra performance under Zharkyn Shakarim.

 

Education

2004–2008 — Mukan Tulebayev Music College, Semey.
2008–2012 — Kazakh National University of Arts, Bachelor's Degree in Dombyra Performance. Astana
2012–2014 — Kazakh National University of Arts, Master's Degree in Ethnomusicology.
2024–2027 — Kazakh National University of Arts, Doctoral Studies.

 

Professional Experience

2006–2008 — Orchestra Musician, Semey Philharmonic.
2010–2012 — Orchestra Musician, Astana Philharmonic.

2011–2014 — sal-seri.kz
2012–2014 — Folklore Office, Kazakh National University of Arts.
2013–2014 — Dombyra Instructor, Music School of Astana.
2014–2015 — kazaitys.kz and namys.kz.
2015–2018 — Research Fellow, Research Institute of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2019–2022 — Chairman of the Kuishi Union Public Association.
Since 2022 — Otuken Cultural Development Foundation.