Brian Koenig is a composer, multi-instrumentalist and music instructor originally from Monroe, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin Whitewater, receiving a Bachelors of Music with an emphasis on Theory and History, along with a minor in Arts Management. During this time he was co-principal oboist for the UW-W Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble and studied oboe with Ms. Suzanne Geoffrey. He also studied composition with Dr. Jeff Herriott and Dr. George Ferencz. 

He was the founding member, composer and lead guitarist for the progressive metal band Ottoman Empire. The band would later change their name to Luna Mortis before signing a record deal  with Century Media records in 2008. Luna Mortis released the album The Absence and toured the US  and Canada before disbanding in 2010.

In 2013, Brian received his Masters in Music Composition from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, studying with Dr. Mark Engebretson and  Dr. Alejandro Rutty while teaching music on the undergraduate level.

Brian currently teaches music privately in the Madison, WI area. Under the moniker Baron Taurean Helleshaar, he performs internationally with the band Lords of the Trident and has written instructional columns for Guitar World.