John S. Electric bass, Upright Bass, Bass Guitar, Music Theory San Diego, CA

Born in Omaha, NE. I've been playing bass for 22 years (teaching for the past 10). I play and teach all contemporary musical styles, and have lived and performed in Colorado Springs/Denver, CO, and Austin, TX.

Goals: To stretch and push myself musically & artistically, and to facilitate that journey in those around me - achieving and conveying heightened levels of musical expression, dynamics, improvisation, communication, and creative energy during performances.

Musical History:
1987-1992, Colorado Springs, CO: Studied under David Valentine and Jim Vaughn (both Principal Bassists with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra). Performed with Colorado Springs Community Jazz Big Band, and other local community folk and jazz swing small groups.

1992-1994, Denver, CO: As a member of the Neil Haverstick Band performed a variety of music - backing some of Denver's finest vocalists (Charla Bevin). The group also featured a 45-minute set of microtonal music, performed on a guitar and bass fretted with 19-divisions per octave. Also performed w/The Powder River Band. Recorded with Australian singer/songwriter Leighton B. Watts.

1995-2000, Austin, TX: Played with John Ussery, The Dave Sebree Band, Laffing Sam, Jim Stricklan, and many other local groups.

2000-Present, San Diego, CA: Performed and recorded with many groups (The Corvelles, Crossfire, and The Flat Out Liars) and artists (Megan Connelly, Ean Corbett, Jerry DeMink, Freddy Herrmann, Javid & Naoko, Stellita & Dave Lindgren, John Pappas, Enrique Platas, Victoria Rose, Michele Shipp, Jon Zucker).

Teaching Philosophy: I enjoy seeing and hearing students' progress - by offering lessons of patience, problem solving, ear training, concentration, and determination.

My approach to teaching is to encourage and help bass students learn to read music (notation - not tablature), play exercises and scales to develop left and right hand finger strength/independence/dexterity, understand music theory, rhythm, improvisation, the role of bass in an ensemble, and perhaps most importantly - learn specific songs and styles they choose or request.

I usually split each lesson roughly 50/50 as far as structured aspects (exercises, reading, technique building, etc.) and working through song requests. I also highly recommend students be open to acquiring a fundamental skill set for playing a variety of generic styles, like 12-bar blues, I-IV-V rock, walking jazz/blues bass lines, funk pizzicato technique, and funk/slap technique. These are just guidelines though, and ultimately it's up to you how we spend our time during our meetings.

You will need to practice between lessons. How much? Try - at the very least - to get the bass into your hands every day. 15 minutes every day is a good starting point, with the goal of eventually reaching 30-60 minutes over time.

Fretted & Fretless 4-5-6-7-String. All musical styles including, but not limited to: Afro-Cuban, Acoustic Singer/Songwriter, Blues, Country, Flamenco, Funk (Specialty: Pizzicato & Slap Styles), Jazz, Instrumental, Latin, Pop, R&B, Rock (Classic, Hard, Metal).

Electric bass, Upright Bass, Bass Guitar, Music Theory