Giacomo M. TakeLessons Instructor bass guitar, music theory, improvisation, ensemble, ear training New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

I am an Italian bassist who recently moved to Brooklyn from Boston. In Boston, I earned a degree from Berklee College of Music in 2004, following a curriculum in jazz studies mostly, and then a Masters Degree from the New England Conservatory in 2007, during which I focused on improvisational studies, ethnomusicolocical studies, cintemporary composition and avant-garde.

As a bass teacher, I started having my first bass students when I was a teenager, in 1995. Over the years, I have collected a wide range of teaching experiences, teaching in music schools (back in Italy, in Boston and here in NY), working with many students of all ages and all levels. I also have experience in coaching ensembles, ear training and improvisational studies. I have given master classes at college level on topic of experimental/contemporary improvisation.

As a performer, I have extensive experience of performing professionally and touring internationally in many different musical styles, from jazz to rock, from solo performances to contemporary chamber ensembles. A partial list of my recent and current collaborations include David Tronzo, Bryan Baker (Steps Ahead), Dave 'Fuze' Fiuczynski, The Boston Microtonal Society, Ran Blake, Joe Maneri, the Boston-based Arabic folk award-nominated band Zilzala, the California based rock band The Bloody Heads. I have a cd coming up on Creative Nation Music (www.cnmpro.com) with guitar icon David Tronzo and saxophinist Noah Kaplan.

I always accustom my lesson to the needs, personality, age and musical background of the student. A lesson should be an enjoyable experience, especially if you don't play to pay the rent. On the other hand, several areas should be covered in the study of the electric bass: grooves studying, styles, idioms, a variety of techniques, harmony and music theory,. I also encourage the student to incorporate bass-clef reading and ear training to his practice routine, and to propose songs he likes, besides the ones I will present, that can make the study/fun ratio more organic. I want my students to have a solid foundation and to be solid bass players, versatile and at ease in different musical settings.

I always expose my more advanced students to the study improvisation: starting from blues and jazz and then including many other approaches. I want them to challenge their own concept of the electric bass, to learn how to solo, even to get used to playing unaccopanied solo eletric bass.

I specialize in teaching electric bass, which I do at any level, from beginners to advanced, in pretty much all styles. I also have experience in teaching improvisation (jazz or other kinds) and ensemble coaching.

My specific interest in contemporary and avant-garde music, which I have lectured on at college level and which i write about on specialized press, allows me to incorporate these approaches and concepts into my regular, more orthodox teaching. Given the strict regime of ear training required at the New England Conservatory, I have also taught ear training, preparing students for auditions and exams.

bass guitar, music theory, improvisation, ensemble, ear training