Stevenson, CT Upright Bass Lessons

The method systematically approaches bass technique from the first note - open strings through Major and minor scales arpeggios fingerings, bow exercises, up to VIIth position

All styles - pop, rock, jazz, funk, classical, etc. Reading, writing and ear training.

I have studied Guitar with Joe Settlemires who taught players like Brad Paisley, and Vince Gill. I started playing guitar at 15 and have toured all over the country. If your'e just starting to play or you're mastering advanced shredding skills I can help you accomplish your musical goals while feeding your addiction of music!

Very comfortable with nearly all styles. Classical, jazz, bluegrass, pop, country, blues, etc.

I specialize in playing the upright bass, and I have a great time teaching it. I enjoy giving the student perspective on the instrument, explaining the entire double bass and the intricate methods I've used to master it, from Simandl to Rabbath.

I studied upright bass at two Midwest Universities, Northern Kentucky University and University of Cincinnati CCM. I have been playing the bass professionally in ensembles for years. I have experience playing jazz, blues, bluegrass, rock, folk, musical theatre and classical music.

I teach basic contrabass/upright bass using the Essential Elements repertoire. Group lessons are available but I do not teach Suzuki.

Being an active and experienced musician gives me the necessary knowledge to know what is needed on order to become a better musician. Also having over 20 years of teaching experience allows me to tailor my knowledge to the need of every particular student. I really enjoy to transfer my knowledge and solve the unique musical problem that every student encounter during their musical path.

As a recent winner of the Ron Carter Bass Competition and the NEA Future Jazz Master Award, I can take your bass playing to the next level. I teach middle school students at a public school on the Upper Westside who are beginners and serious musicians wanting to get better. When I graduated high school, I was awarded a full tuition scholarship to all the major conservatories. I will get you the results you want on both electric bass and acoustic bass.

As an advanced player in High School, I started teaching the upright double bass to younger HS students who asked me for private lessons for their Nyssma auditions or to get better. My students all not only aced their auditions after our intensive lessons, but went on to music conservatories to study the double bass in their own right. I like to think I had something to do with sparking their love and developing their innate talent as my own early teachers did for me. I loved teaching then and I still love to pass on that spark so that this instrument will never be left without well-studied, talented double bassists. I have a double degree in Bass Performance & Music Education from the Eastman School of Music under the esteemed virtuoso and professor, James VanDemark. Whether you are a beginner/intermediate or advanced student of the Double Bass, I can help you reach that next level.

As a professional double bassist, I was the Principal Bass of the Greenwich Symphony and performed extensively with the NY Philharmonic and many other Symphonic Orchestras in Europe and the U.S. A graduate of the Bucharest Conservatory in Romania and of The Juilliard School of Music in New York, I am certified to teaching professionally in Connecticut Public Schools and Privately. I feel that as a teacher, I want my students to reach their musical potential and aspirations while having a wonderful time!
All ages welcome. Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student. Not only will you be playing songs in no time, but you will be building a strong foundation of note reading, music theory, ear training, sight reading, technique, and more. Let's get started!