Upright Bass with Paul B.

I've been a proud and active member of the International Society of Bassists (ISB) since 1999. I've won several awards (one recording I played on won a Grammy in 2010) and have toured in over 35 countries as both a bandleader and sideman. But my first teaching job in NYC in 2002 was as a high school band director at Hunter College High School. I'm familiar with the needs of students at several levels of ability and aspirations. Some students are purchasing an instrument for the first time, some are trying to get into the performing ensemble or college of their choice. Everyone wants to be more familiar with the bass and experience the joy of making music while you are playing whether you are a beginner or a pro. That's why we love it! Of course to do that we have to discipline ourselves to get some skills under our belt. Throughout the years I've studied with some great teachers myself including: John Clayton, Rufus Reid, Buster Williams, Alfonso Johnson, and many others. I pass that information along to you. Information not only about technique but the philosophy behind the music that you are making. Connecting mind and body along with humility and a great attitude goes a long way both as a student and performer. I find it's important to cover the physical as well as mental aspects of practicing and playing as practicing is an animal of it's own. Practicing obstacles may include: resistance to being consistent, only working on what you're good at and avoiding the trouble areas, or having trouble concentrating and being present on what you're working on in the moment. I've been through it. As an on-going learner of music I've learned to manage and direct these elements so I can still reach the outcomes I want. Along with performing and teaching I'm a bandleader for Jazz At Lincoln Center where we do jazz outreach concerts at middle schools and high schools in NYC. I'm also on faculty as an Instructor at the Teacher's College (Columbia University) where my students range from beginner to PhD level. I've worked as a cultural ambassador for the US State Dept and traveled extensively performing and teaching to audiences of all ages and backgrounds in addition to touring with world-renown artists throughout Europe and the Americas. I have three recordings as a bandleader and played on over 50 recordings as a sideman. I have a BM in Music Composition from Berklee College of Music as well as a MA from Queens College in Jazz Performance.