Marina del Rey, CA Upright Bass Lessons

Jazz or classical

Students can expect a teacher that addresses every single aspect of learning orchestral upright bass: from proper bow technique, to left-hand formation and fingering choices, to reading musical notation, interpreting music and learning rhythm.

My goal is to help students develop a technical foundation on the bass for playing just about any kind of music that they are interested in, and to support students with practicing tips for areas in their playing where they want to improve. My specialty is symphony orchestra training, so I primarily use basic technique books by Sevcik and Simandl at the beginning, and then later as students make progress, I begin to introduce orchestral repertoire and solos written for the bass. I have been teaching since August 2016 and so far two of my student have won auditions into undergraduate music colleges to pursue music performance and music education degrees.

If you are interested in taking lessons with me, choose one of the lesson durations ...

I have a masters in double bass performance. I have performed in orchestras, jazz bands, and solo recitals across the country.

I have studied upright bass for 20 years. I am classically trained and studied under Barry Lieberman, former assistant principal of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I went on to study jazz at the prestigious William Paterson University. I then spent the next 13 years gigging and teaching in a variety of situations in New York City and now Los Angeles. I have played a full spectrum of music on the upright and love to impart that knowledge to my students!

Bass lessons will cover all the essential areas necessary to develop a strong foundation in playing the upright bass (double bass). For students interested in jazz topics will include: left and right hand techniques, tone control, fretboard familiarity, essential scales, and understanding bass line construction. If the students is studying classical music the lessons will focus on correct bowing techniques, music reading ability, and orchestral excerpts, etudes, and solo literature. Successful students will form a solid platform of knowledge to advance to higher levels of proficiency.

Extensive experience in Jazz and Classical ensembles. Sound production, technique, bass lines and soloing are emphasized.

I specifically and intentionally approach teaching students the upright bass from a body-centric perspective, utilizing "Deep Listening" concepts. More than anything, though, I'm interested in catering to your individual needs as a student and musician. I'll do whatever I can do to support you in reaching your goal(s) with the upright bass, and try to make the journey to reaching that goal as accessible and exciting as possible!

I have been performing on Upright Bass for more than three decades in both the classical and jazz realms. I have both a classical and jazz performance degree.

The foundation of my teaching is the Smandl method. I also have a large library of classical and jazz books as well as tunes I have transcribed or lesson material I have written myself.

Let me help you get started on bass or refine your skills.