Music Lessons in Washington Heights, NY

Instruments: Double Bass

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have two Music Degrees in Performance. I found that focusing on the playing technicalities would make me a more practical musician in a business where playing can get musicians into many doors. Aside from teaching, it's performing that makes my living, and gives me joy playing. Maintaining a good, consistent sound requires that one has to apply his/herself to their instrument often and consistently. Being a performance major equipped me with practice tools and repertoire to keep me motivated to 'stay in shape.'

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I believe intonation and clarity are the two biggest challenges a double bassist will always face. I've heard professionals and musical heroes of mine, tell me the same thing. It's a struggle for all bassists. One thing I've noticed being an orchestral bassist playing with other stringed instruments, is how bumpy and tonally inconsistent a bass player's notes could sound in a musical phrase, compared to those of a violinist or cellist. There are certain notes in certain positions that have a distinct vibration. Therefore finding an even sound all over the bass requires specific actions for each particular note.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
When I was very young, my parents played recordings of musicians in different musical settings, and I was hearing the double bass without knowing what the instrument was called. I heard an orchestral performance and the booming pizzicato and warm arco textures resonated with me. Then I heard a bassist plucking in a big-band jazz setting, and the intense drive and pulse felt so danceable to me. I couldn't help but find out what the instrument was that I was hearing. I found out via a UK Eye Witness encyclopedia that that instrument was the double bass. I was so determined to touch one in person. When my father surprised me with a rental bass to pluck, I was ecstatic and that sensation stayed with me all this time. The bass is essential because it functions as the time-keeper and harmonic foundation of a group.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
-I find it's the material that I don't know how to play, that requires the most practicing. Don't spend too much time practicing the things you already know how to play. It's the speed bump, or the train-wreck sections, that need to be dissected. -Breaking bad habits and reinforcing new positive habits is essential in the practice session. -A 15min practice session where you get desired results or learn something new, is far better than an hour practice session in which nothing is learned and bad habits are repeated. -Try the idea/technique you are working on, in various musical settings, and your brain begins to engrain the new information.

When will I start to see results?
You will begin to see results when the student becomes driven to reach his/her goal established. The student has to take responsibility for the sound he/she is going for, and to work it out in practice. Results happen when the student takes time out to practice diligently and frequently. When a student relates musical activity to other areas of their lives, they begin to develop a relationship with music/their instrument, and this motivates them to discover more about what they can do on their instrument.

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