Woodbridge, 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

Learn basics about rhythm, harmony, and melody, and how they apply to the upright bass.

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

Upright bass can be one of the most versatile instruments. Players of the instrument find themselves in settings ranging from symphony orchestras to bluegrass bands and everything in between. With the modern music world become more receptive to acoustic instruments, as well as amplification technology evolving, upright bassist can also become members of rock bands or hip-hop groups. In lessons, I teach the student how to navigate the instrument in a way that allows them to pursue whatever genre they want. I focus on skills that are universal to music, as well as specific skills for different styles of playing. As a double bassist, I have played in jazz combos, big bands, orchestras, chamber groups, and bluegrass/ old-time groups. I'm excited to share my love and knowledge of this instrument with other players!

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 am looking forward to working with you on beginning your training on upright bass. With me, you will learn the basic elements of the upright bass such as string tuning, bow grip, left hand fingering and proper posture.

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

Experienced Music teacher of 8 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of their instrument and theory skills. I specialize in all styles. Typically, I use a variety of method books to pick from to meet the needs of the students. I also have many tools available to use during lessons.
My students have gone on to NYSSMA and on to college auditions successfully!

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.