Teaching

I have been teaching music for nearly twenty years. In that time, I have worked with students ranging from elementary to adult learners, with material as diverse as orchestral, jazz, rock, funk, latin, bluegrass, country, and rockabilly. I feel I can easily help any student attain their goals as a musician and bass player, regardless of age or skill level. In my classical training, I incorporate elements of Rabbath, Vance, Petracchi, Simandl, and others. For all styles, I also work with listening, ear training, and transcribing.

​Lessons can be scheduled in 60 minutes sessions (I also offer 30 minute sessions for beginners). While we are observing social distancing, I am available for online Zoom sessions (be sure to check out this video on enabling "original sound" in Zoom!). For rates and availability, feel free to contact me with some info on yourself, your background, and your goals.

​*Please note, due to my current full-time teaching responsibilities, I am unfortunately unable to accept students at this time. I do keep a full roster of teacher referrals, and am happy to give you some suggestions, based on your interests.*

A FEW THOUGHTS ON TAKING BASS LESSONS (WITH DUE CREDIT TO CELLIST BARB HUNTER FOR SEVERAL OF THE IDEAS):

1. You should definitely take lessons. The bass is a very physical instrument, and playing correctly does not come naturally. Proper guidance at the start will help to prevent bad habits and potential debilitating injuries down the road.

2. Be sure to have time to practice. Musical development without practice is extremely slow, and can become very uninteresting very quickly. For beginners, practice does not have to mean an hour (or several) on end. Even ten to fifteen minutes of focused practice time per day is better than none at all, and you will be surprised at how quickly you advance with that constant repetition.

3. For parents of students starting their child on upright bass: Rent, rent, RENT (don't buy) an instrument at first, especially if your child is not fully grown yet. Do not lock yourself into the purchase of something that your child may or may not decide to stick with. There are several shops in town which offer reasonable rental fees and an option to easily "trade up" to the next size as a child grows. The Bass Church on Phinney Ave. and Hammond Ashley Violins in Issaquah are my two top choices. Both are operated by bassists and have a wealth of knowledge on how to set up a student properly. I am always happy to come along as a consultant for instruments for students.

4. Always bring your own bass to a lesson (barring unusual circumstances). Yes it's a large and unwieldy instrument. All the more reason to get used to transporting it!

*CANCELLATION POLICY*

Cancellations/reschedules must be done by the day before the lesson at the latest. Cancellations in less than that time (or no-shows) will still be charged the full amount. The same goes the other way - if I have to reschedule or cancel, I will do it by the day before, and if I have to cancel last-minute, I will credit your next lesson.