Teaching Philosophy

Everyone has the ability to learn how to play the bass, no matter what age, no matter what skill level. I believe it’s never too early or too late to add the joy of music to your life. I will work with you whether a beginner or advanced student. My goal is to help you learn to enjoy playing the upright or electric bass and find the magic when you and your instrument connect.  I will encourage and coach you to make your bass dreams a reality.

In my teaching approach, I use methods and study books to help each student,  playing in ensembles, setting up practice routines, giving motivational talks, listening to recordings, completing theory assignments, analyzing tunes, using on-line resources, performing in recitals, hearing live music, and other playing and writing activities.

For beginning study on the upright bass with the bow, I use the Suzuki Method for which I am certified in Levels 1-5. I also use the Essential Elements series, and advanced books such as Bille & Simandl methods, as well as solo and orchestral repertoire. Recordings and videos of well-known orchestral pieces, solo works, and recitals are also utilized.

For jazz or rock study on upright or electric bass, I use Jamey Aebersold Book/CD sets, recordings, transcriptions and method books by bass greats like Carol Kaye, Ray Brown & Rufus Reid. There is also a music theory component that is factored into jazz/rock study because of the need to learn various scales and chord vocabulary for playing bass parts, bass lines, tunes, and improvisation.


So check it out and let's get going...