Ambridge, PA Upright Bass Lessons

Bass is my primary instrument. Upright is a great new challenge for any electric player.

Basics of open scales and arpeggio fingerings and movable patterns for bluegrass, country, blues or beginning jazz..

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!

14 years experience on the Double Bass in both Classical and Jazz styles.

I have played upright bass for 17 years and am classically trained. My teachings will assist you in working on orchestral repertoire, solo pieces and any other musical interest you would like to learn about. Students of mine have gone on to advance to audition-only groups.

I teach through a traditional style where learning notation is paramount. Proper technique and finger placement will propel us into playing classical pieces and studies.

Do you enjoy the low end of the musical spectrum? Interested in building your chops and becoming a better musician? Let me help you grow as a musician! I hold a Masters Degree in Music Performance, am a Certified North Carolina Teacher, and am currently an orchestra director specializing in strings.

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!

Are you looking to boost your bass chops? Are you trying to stand out and enhance your music community? Do you have something to say through your bass playing and want to be heard? My passion is to help you reach these goals and become an in-demand upright bassist in your city. My desire is to help you discover how relatable upright bass playing is to your daily life. I offer multiple ways of viewing bass technique, repertoire, and lyrical expression as something that is an extension of you. I'm a conservatory-trained, classical and jazz bassist with gigging/touring/studio experience including collaborations with Stewart Copeland, Mike Garson, Ellis Marsalis, Quatuor Ebène and Gustavo Dudamel.