I have studied string bass with David Moore, John Patitucci, Mike Richmond, Ben Allison, John Lockwood, Larry Grenadier, Ed Howard, and Ron McClure.
Students seeking professional or personal fulfillment through music must develop a strong sense of voice and direction in music. While good technical skills enhance the creation of great music, they ultimately serve artistic vision and creative goals. In addition to “nuts and bolts” instrumental study my teaching includes space for the exploration of each student’s journey as a creative and professional musician, as well as supportive discussion of how instrumental skills and creative ability can be cultivated into a viable career in music.
With string bass technical instruction my focus is relaxation, posture, self-awareness, and efficient, personal sound production. While I am a proponent of the Rabbath approach, and use Rabbath and George Vance method books, I encourage each bassist to develop a personalized working approach to the instrument. Students create their own exercises and drills in addition to assigned studies. Consistent work with a metronome and intonation practice using drones is required, and all students must develop arco technique. Realistic and productive practice strategies are discussed in lessons and are integral to creating a steady sense of progress. Upper (“thumb”) position and lower position technique are studied in parallel.
Study of repertoire and ensemble skills is also centered on awareness and relaxation. Memorization of materials and retention of learned music is a priority, and the selection of excerpts and/or “tunes” to study is tailored for each student. Pieces are examined in various keys and time signatures, and this study leads to discovery of new exercises and approaches. Music theory skills are reinforced through analysis of assigned pieces and applied to the string bass’ fingerboard layout. In addition to hands-on practice students work towards the ability to visualize playing without using the instrument. Singing improvised and notated pieces improves intonation, expressiveness, and sound production.
Rhythmic, technical, and repertoire materials are supplemented with custom audio and computer generated materials.
Careers in music performance and recording today demand players who are both technically in control and creatively aware; in response instrumentalists need to strengthen their musical identity and sense of role within music and culture. As a string bass instructor I hope to bring students closer to their own creative goals, whatever they may be. While systematic practice and slow progress can be challenging, the excitement of discovering the self in music and learning to consistently execute personally meaningful music is very rewarding.
