Bass Lessons in Paradise Valley, AZ

Instruments: Bass Guitar

I've been performing and studying music for over 23 years now. My first instrument was trumpet where i played in every band my school had to offer, jazz, classical, orchestral, pep and marching band. I carried my musical knowledge over to bass when I was 19 and never looked back. I feel like the bass is where I was meant to be. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping my students achieve their musical goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Conga Latin Percussion

I write all my own lesson materials focusing on what the student needs to know to play, understand, and enjoy music to achieve their goals. I have used several method books in the past but find them all limited or focused on styles or technique that is not what the student wants or needs to learn. I can teach from any established method if that is preferred, but instead enjoy challenging the student to understand what music is and how music is played on their chosen instrument, not just to read. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Music Keyboard Djembe

Throughout the 8 12 years that I have been teaching I have been learning a lot about many different methods and teaching styles. I always had thought that what I was being taught could have been taught in a more natural and more efficient way. I have borrowed many of my ideas from some of the greatest teachers in history and believe the most in the bel canto method created but David Jacobsen who is an alumni of the Curtis Institute of Music, the greatest school of music in the world. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Music

I like to teach my students with more of a coaching style. I want to know what their intentions are as a bass player, their willingness to put in the work. After understanding what my students want to accomplish, then we create goals and strategies along the way to ensure they are improving at the desired rate. The best bass players in the professional world are often the most consistent with their work ethic, taking the time to develop their ears, their reading skills in addition to their practice regimen. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

Most of my students (who don't already know) start off with basic theory (Major Scale & Major and Minor Chord Formulas). Whatever their ultimate goal for learning would determine where I would take it from there. If your goal is to play one song for your significant other we can do just that. If your goal is to perform we can cater to that as well. Maybe you're goal is to learn enough to write your own songs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

As I first approach a new student, my first question to them is "why drums?". From that response I have a better idea of where this student is most comfortable for playing. Their genre of musical listening is a strong consideration of the styles they would enjoy learning. By finding their strong points of playing building an individual curriculum for that student gives them a better opportunity to become a player to the best of their abilities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

I've been teaching since 2005:  Privately with students in their home or my studio, with brick-and-mortar studios, and with online lessons services (like Musika).  It's most important that my students have fun learning their instrument, but I also emphasize daily practice and work on the fundamentals of whichever instrument he or she is learning.  After all, if you don't work on the fundamentals, then you won't be able to play your instrument any better. Read More