In 1980, David Ragsdale received a scholarship to the University of Tulsa, and there studied with acclaimed instructor Nell Gotkovsky. “A very gracious lady,” said Ragsdale. “It was an honor to work with her.” At the time, Ragsdale wanted to be a symphony violinist and the language barrier between Gotkovsky and himself presented a challenge. “It was all more philosophical,” said Ragsdale. She had to show him what she meant when it came to learning the technique.

While in Tulsa, he also played with the prestigious Tulsa Philharmonic and moonlighted as a string arranger, violinist and guitarist at what is now Universal Music and Post Studios.

After completing his studies in Tulsa, Ragsdale toured with Nashville’s Louise Mandrell for four years, followed by a seven-year stint with the Topeka-based rock group Kansas (with whom he is now touring).

During his tenure with Kansas, Ragsdale recorded with Queensryche (“Hear in the Now Frontier”), Jason Bonham (“Motherland”) and The Smashing Pumpkins (“Siamese Dream”). “It was intense but it was a lot of fun,” said Ragsdale of his work with the Pumpkins and producer Butch Vig.

Ragsdale’s work can also be heard on such Kansas recordings as “Live at the Whisky” and “Freaks of Nature,” on which he was a contributing writer.

Kansas wrapped up in the studio recording a new studio album in February. This will be the band’s first studio album since 2000, and first with Ronnie Platt on lead vocals. The album, titled “The Prelude Implicit,” will be released in September 2016 on InsideOut Music. “I was a very minor writer on the project,” said Ragsdale. “It’s very good; we’re very proud of it.” Ragsdale is cautiously optimistic about where the band’s newest album will stack in relation to the rest of Kansas’ catalog. “The test of time will be determined by time,” said Ragsdale. “The band is smokin’ hot right now.”

Kansas will be in the Pavilion at Prairie Knights Casino in Fort Yates on Saturday, June 11.