So you are thinking about bass lessons? Great!
I’m an energetic teacher that has taught the art of bass playing privately for over 25 years, focusing on technical, theoretical and conceptual instruction on both the electric and upright bass.
I can help you gain the tools necessary to understand the role of the bass in whatever style of music you are interested in.
I incorporate a fair amount of ear training into my teaching, as I believe it‘s paramount in acquiring a solid foundation in music. Beginners to experienced, young and old, are all welcome.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, please see the lesson rates and policies below, then click the button below to send me a message.
Lesson Rates and Policies
Students must commit to 1 month of scheduled lessons.
You can choose to come once a week or once every two weeks, but any less than that and you are probably too busy for bass lessons. The longest space between lessons is two weeks.
Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length at the rate of $30, $40 or $50 respectively.
If you play electric bass then all you have to bring to the lesson is your instrument and something to take notes. Do not worry about an amplifier, I have one for you, and it’s real sweet.
If you play upright bass and have difficulties transporting it to and from lessons, don’t worry as I have an extra one, but I will like to see your instrument from time to time to make sure there are no problems with the playability.
Teaching Bio
I fell in love hard and fast with the electric bass guitar in 1991. This began my life long pursuit to figure out how to play the instrument and to learn about its role in music.
Around the same time, I formed a friendship with Edmonton violinist John Calverley, who I consider to be my first music teacher. In 1994, I attended the music program at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta. I hated it so I quit before the end of the first year. Ahh... so young, so defiant, so under-prepared.
But while there, a much larger world of music was presented to me and a strong work ethic was formed. In my days on the Edmonton music scene I performed and/or recorded with Edmonton songwriters Tanyss Nixi, Robin Hunter, Jenn Kraatz, Melissa Majeau, Shuyler Jansen, and John Gorham to name a few. I also provided accompaniment for local theatre and dance.
Two of my most formative musical experiences were performing with Edmonton improvised/musique actuelle collectives T.I.N. (The Improvised Network: Thom Golub - upright bass, Dave Hoyle - winds, Lane Arndt - guitar, Eric Weiden - trumpet) and “Rise” hosted by saxophonist Brett Miles.
My involvement with these projects and the knowledge shared from the many musicians who took part in the weekly performances would have a permanent impact on my development as a musician.
The drive to make & perform original music led to the creation of the composition project AUDio SQUADron in 2002. The same year I joined the world-beat fusion group Moksha which released their first CD ''Lady Sun'' in 2004. AUDio SQUADron would release the albums ''Ne Plus Ultra'' in 2006 and ''Requisite Variety'' in 2008.
Both of these projects were opportunities for me to present my own compositions and experiment with my ideas and approaches to music. Playing fretless electric bass in Moksha inspired me to learn the upright bass and I began my classical studies with Edmonton symphony bassist Ioan Tetel in 2005.
Moving to Victoria in 2008, I continued my studies with symphony bassist Han Han Cho. To satisfy the jazz side I have enjoyed occasional lessons with You Tube.
Since moving to Victoria I have had the pleasure of playing with songwriters Sara Marreiros, Galen Hartley, Wes Carroll, and Anne Schaefer. I am currently an active music educator in Victoria and still after all these years cannot grow a lush beard.