Mc Kees Rocks, PA 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

I can help beginning students on the bass learn the basics.

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

It is my goal as a teacher to give you the tools to play music but more importantly to create music.

My Teaching Philosophy

Left Hand-
Scales and arpeggios our the bedrock of music. They are the foundation of everything harmonically and melodically. We will begin with learning our major, minor and pentatonic scales and corresponding arpeggios. Once we have an understanding of those we will delve into our modes and more “exotic” scales.

Right Hand-
The right hand is our time machine. It gives us the ability to play in time and with groove and feel. We will work on rhythmic studies string crossings and practicing with a metronome. Remembering music is harmony, Melody and rhythm working as one.

For those who are new to playing music the hardest thing for some to master is rhythm/time keeping. It is the black and white right or wrong of the music world. Often times our want to progress quickly is hampered by skipping over the basic building blocks of rhythm and ...

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 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 believe in music lessons that are tailored to the interest and capabilities of each student. You should come prepared to have fun and work hard on goals that matter to you!
I will give you the tools and input that will allow you to be the musician you want to be. Together we will design exercises that will free you from physical and mental limitations regarding the instrument. The sky is the limit!

Want to learn how to play the upright as well as the electric bass! I can gladly assist with both! I love each instrument equally and would be more than willing to teach you the ways around the upright bass.

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.

My number one priority is for you to have a great time playing upright bass. That means developing strong technique that makes playing easier, learning how to make practice fun and effective, and exploring the music that interests you most. I’ve been playing and loving bass for 20 years and am currently studying music education at the University of Maryland.