Private lessons with top Upright Bass instructors near Honolulu, HI

Double Bass or Contra Bass

My classes are very flexible when it comes to what the student wants. I can go from just teaching very basic bass playing to advanced harmonic concepts and jazz improvisation. On the first class, I give the student the choice of controlling our lessons materials about what they want to learn. Or the student can choose to let me control our classes, in which I will bring my own materials and ideas in which we should work and will go through the whole academic process of learning music.

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'll teach you to sound like whoever, whomever or whatever you'd like! -Players (Ray Brown, Mingus, Bill Black, Lee Rocker) -Jazz (Walking bass, the Blues, Rhythm Changes) -Latin (Tumbao, Salsa, Samba) -Arco/Bow (Classical & Ballads) -Theory (What is a...? "I, IV, V" or "ii, V7, I") -Reading (Important for school and the studio!) Try with me!

I aim to instill a love of music and of the instrument through both student guided song selections from popular genres and movie/video game soundtracks, as well as the pedagogy and technical exercises that are required to play the double bass. I complement this with various etudes and repertoire from both the classical and jazz idioms to create a bassist that not only knows how to groove, but has a solid command of the bass.

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.

College Performance Degree in Bass Diploma from Grove School of Music in Bass 20 years professional experience of Bass Playing

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