Monrovia, CA Upright Bass Lessons

I am a professional studio player with a Doctorate in Music, and have played on hundreds of blockbuster movies including the Oscars and Grammys. I work with many orchestras and can teach you how to get work as a bassist. Also can teach jazz...

Upright Bass

I focus on musicality when I teach any instrument. With the bass, that stretches from playing with strong tone and staying in tune all the way to thumb position vibrato and advanced bowings. I'm a classical player but I include jazz, folk, and rock in my lessons.

My primary goal with all of my students is to help them make great music that is true to themselves. I also try to stick with a sound-before-symbol approach to learning music. What this means for my teaching is a focus on training both the ears and technique. I always prefer a more personalized approach to teaching, working with students to find repertoire that speaks to them and improves their musicality and technique.

I was lucky enough to study with some of the greatest jazz and classical bassists during my time in music academia. With their guidance and my knowledge of body mechanics (via my studies in exercise science) I was able to create a practice routine that helped me advance my own abilities efficiently, without spending hours upon hours in the practice room.

While practicing and self improvement is part of the journey and the joy of becoming a musician, a student shouldn't have to submit themselves to hours of boring repetition that could lead to injury or loss of interest in that instrument.

I aim to create fun, creative challenges which the student must rise to meet in order to improve and succeed. I hope to instill the ability to analyze and tackle problems through smart and efficient programming that can be applied to all aspects of life.

The double bass is one of the most difficult and rewarding instruments to master and I want to pass the skill and knowledge of my craft to ...

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!

I have been studied under influence of Russian masters of String Bass, in tradition of great achievements of Russian Music School, also played in major Symphony Orchestras including the Russia State Symphony - Conductor Eugene Svetlanov, Prague Philharmonic Orchestra - Conductor Irgek Beloglavek, New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Conductor Kurt Masur.
I graduated from Moscow Conservatory of music, and then continue extensive studies with Principal Bass of N.Y. Philharmonic - Eugene Levinson.

With my background in classical, jazz, and contemporary music, we can approach the upright bass in whatever way a student may want. Fundamentals and time feel are most important. Sound production and musical intent would also be main focuses. I have comprehensive knowledge of the standard classical and jazz repertoire, and can easily develop an effective plan of study for any student, at any level. I also write a fair amount of music, so composition could be a component of lessons. I would love to teach anyone who has interest in playing bass, no experience whatsoever needed!

Jazz, classical various solo techniques from bass legends

I can teach you what the academics can't, how to make a living on the bandstand!! I have over 30 years experience as a full time professional Musician. I have played every conceivable type of music professionally in every type of venue. My specialties are Jazz, Rock, Blues, and Classical. Im most well known in the Jazz world. A partial list of performance and recording credits include; Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Delfayo Marsalis, Terace Martin, Kenny Drew Jr, Ronald Muldrow, Horace Tapscott, Greg Kurstin to name a few,,