Bass Guitar with James S.

Hello! I am a performing freelance musician who loves to teach. I recently graduated from the Master's of Music program at the San Francisco Conservatory of music. I've played with many groups and orchestras in the bay area including the Symphony Silicon Valley, Berkeley Symphony, Napa Valley Symphony, Stockton Symphony, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and more. In my undergrad, most of my playing was in jazz. I've toured Europe (Italy, Switzerland, and France) with a big band in 2007, and performed at Yoshi's. I began on the electric bass in high school, playing in bands and everything from the Beatles to Tool. I also picked up some electric guitar. I've taught double bass annually at La Honda Music Camp as a double bass counselor, and look forward to taking on many students and sharing what I've learned, and what I will continue to learn with them! *** Lesson Details *** I am easy to get along with, and I relate very well with students. Lessons are laid back and I tend to make a lot of jokes, but the material itself is rigorous and I expect a great deal of effort. I enjoy sharing musical philosophy, and I believe that private lessons have generally 2 main functions. 1) For the student to achieve the level of learning how to practice independently from the teacher (and discover their own musical voice), and 2) (at an advanced level) for the student to learn that specific teacher's approach to musical philosophy and that specific instrument. My curriculum will vary greatly depending on the needs or wants of the student. For beginners, I might start with exercises/etudes to begin developing fluency or coordination. I will teach how to read music and understand the fundamental building blocks of music theory, and continue depending on the student's interest. The materials depend on the genre and instrument. For more advanced students lessons will be more focused on specific topics (advanced techniques, repertoire, excerpts, theory, auditions, philosophies, etc). *** Travel Equipment *** Students provide the instrument, music stand, and books or materials which will be discussed.