Music Lessons in Phoenix, AZ

Philip R

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Music

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I play both electric bass as well as double bass so I can cover as many styles of music that is requested. This creates the opportunity to perform many different styles of music.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I am also a Chiropractor and Functional Neurologist where I also help to keep my musician patients pain free, so they can continue to practice and perform at their best!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It was a defining moment for me, I love the feeling of live performance and how it can captivate an audience. I also love the spontaneity of live music, where each performance is unique to the next!

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I grew up learning to play bass at church where my Father was a pianist and musical director. I do have other extended family members who are church musicians and band directors as well.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I have gone through many favorites. Currently, I love playing my double bass to Folk and Jazz. I enjoy playing my bass guitar with any type of music, but especially Pop/Rock/Soul.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I would love to tour with a national act, like Justin Timberlake, or perform on broadway in the pit orchestra. I will have opportunity in the future to be a substitute bass player Moulin Rouge on broadway in the coming months/years.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Jazz Studies/Performance. I chose this degree because it offered me the most opportunity to grow as a performer. I have taken multiple classes on musicology and education over the course of earning my degree.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Warm-up with scales and exercises to strengthen both the left and right hand. I follow this with time spent working on my goals, where that is to increase my speed, strengthen my feel, or learning new songs for an upcoming performance. I then finish my practicing session applying what I have been working on to various songs from a playlist that cover a wide variety of genres.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
dexterity (knowing the instrument, with good technique), Time (your ability to keep a beat and tempo), and feel (getting the groove down, having good musical rapport with drummers/guitarists and pianists.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Simandl for my double bass students to enforce proper left hand and bow technique. With bass guitar, I like to simplify with staff paper and creating regular weekly/monthly plans depending on what the student wants to focus on.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I have a bass player that I mentored that is now performing with David Byrne's American Utopia and has produced music for Lebron James, Scottie Pippen and the television show, Empire.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Winning auditions and becoming a member of the Disney All American College band and the Air Force Band. This exposed me to the world of being a professional musician and the opportunity to perform with world class artists.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I have had numerous teachers ranging from my college professors to personal mentors, to world class bass players such as Larry Grenadier and John Clayton. They inspired me because of their long term success, their dedicated work ethic and their inspiring mindset when it comes to being a world class musician.

When will I start to see results?
With everything, you get out what you put in. If your intent is to become a great musician and you are committed to the process of learning and growing, the results will come immediately!

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Have an established routine and weekly goals. Make time (even if it is just 5 minutes!) to get the hands warm.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
It is never too early or to late to start an Instrument. I started playing bass later in life (13) and was caught up with all my cohorts from a skill level standpoint because I worked hard and sought out proper instruction.

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