Conor R
Instruments: Double Bass
Styles: Classical, Rock, Showtunes, Punk
Conor R
Instruments: Double Bass
Styles:
Classical, Rock, Showtunes, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 12-80
Course Work: Mannes School of Music
2019 - Mannes School of Music Merit Scholarship
2017 - 2019 James Madison University Orchestra Principal Bass
2016 - All-State Bassist
I am a passionate performer and practicer of the double bass, motivated to share my love of the instrument with anyone willing to listen. I graduated from Sayville High School in 2017 and have since studied at James Madison University under Sam Suggs and now at The Mannes School of Music under David Grossman. In high school I was an active member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, which landed me many performances at Carnegie Hall. More recently I have had the pleasure to play at Alice Tully hall with the Mannes Orchestra in Lincoln Center. I am excited to see where else my career takes me to perform.
I have recently taken a break from teaching to focus more on the craft and hone my own skills. Past experience includes teaching middle school and high school bass students privately. In addition to private lessons I have also conducted/instructed a middle school string ensemble. I have also taken a string pedagogy course aimed at younger learners. Throughout my years as a bassist I have spanned many genres of playing. With my vast performing experience has come a more well rounded teaching approach.
I will typically introduce my beginner students with some scales and etudes from Simandl's 30 etudes book. They start out rather simple, but throughout the book many concepts are introduced that are important for understanding how the bass works. As well Simandl Book one is a wonderful book to introduce the positions on the bass and has many helpful exercises inside. I am always willing to help a student find or refine a solo piece if they are interested too keep them excited about playing the bass.
I try to focus more on technique and the physical approach to the instrument, with the bass being so large and cumbersome it is most important that students are treating their own bodies well! Musicality is also very important, I may ask my students to listen for the longer line within a peace. If they cannot find the larger phrase we can explore it together! The focus on technique may seem tedious at first, but my students see vast pay off in their solo pieces. While I remain professional during the lessons I do my best to stay warm to my students and allow them to be comfortable during our lessons.
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