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2019 Strathmore Artist in Residence
I'm a bass and guitar instructor who loves to share his knowledge and expertise with students of all ages and levels. As a child, I studied classical bass with the late bass pedagogue George Vance, which provided me with a a very solid musical foundation from a young age. I graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor's degree in Music and a Master's degree in Music, in 2013 and 2018. I love many different types of music and I play both upright bass and electric bass in many different types of bands - jazz, pop, rock, R&B, soul, musical theater, gospel, afrobeat, and more. After touring the world and freelancing locally for over a decade, I have become one of the most in-demand bassists in the DC area. I have been playing guitar for over ten years. I play guitar on my own recordings and productions.
I have been teaching private lessons since 2010. I have taught students of many different skill levels as young as eight years old and as old as 70. I have a lot of experience playing music in many very different types of situations and because of this, I'm able to meet students where they are while also guiding them to new and exciting musical discoveries. Just a few different examples of ways this intersectionality could be of use: I could help a rock musician learn to read sheet music, help a classical musician learn how to play pop, help a gospel musician learn about jazz improvisation, and more. I'm always interested in making lessons fun for my students and I make sure to relate things to their own musical taste . I believe that being a good teacher and being a good musician are both about communicating. Every lesson includes at least a few minutes of the student and myself playing music together interactively, no matter the age or level of the student.
On upright bass, electric bass, or guitar, the first thing that I teach is the basics of holding the instrument properly and making a sound come out of it. After this, I teach basic left hand and right hand positioning. For beginning upright bass students who are children, I start with George Vance's Progressive Repertoire while also introducing very basic jazz concepts. For adult upright bass students and all electric bass and guitar students, I have many resources to share, which I decide on based on the student's age, skill level, musical tastes, and musical ambitions.
I am open to teaching students of all ages and skill levels. For beginner students, I am passionate about teaching good, safe, effective technique on bass and guitar which will allow the student to be creative with the instrument as they progress. Each student has a different learning style and pace. Each student also has different musical tastes and ambitions. I am always mindful of all of these things. For adult students, I am very open to teaching repertoire from whichever genre interests the student most. For children, I introduce them to the standard repertoire of their instrument, while always keeping their blooming musical tastes in mind.
Eliot taught me Electric Bass for many years. He helped me develop interest in music and especially in different musical styles. I still use the skills Eliot taught me in the music I play today. I’m very grateful for Eliot’s instruction.
If there were 10,000 stars Eliot S. deserves each and every one of them. He is a consummate professional and the soul of creativity and patience. Eliot meets his students where they are while inspiring them to greater musical achievements. You will not be disappointed with Eliot as a teacher for your student.
I was fortunate to have Eliot work with me in the early stages of my jazz improvisation journey. As a classically-trained pianist, I so appreciated Eliot's musicianship, knowledge and guidance, which helped me tremendously, especially for playing with small ensembles. I recommend Eliot highly as an instructor for musicians at all ages and skill levels.
We were fortunate to have Eliot introduce our son to the Bass, both electric and upright. Our son thrived under his tutelage and is now majoring in jazz studies in college in New Orleans. Eliot is skilled, patient, and a joy to work with. I highly recommend him as an excellent teacher for any age.
I studied upright bass with Eliot as an amateur musician overall, but a novice with respect to the instrument. Eliot really helped me to get technical fundamentals more secure. In addition to his command of the instrument, he has strong overall teaching skills, and is great at communication and lesson planning. I highly recommend studying with him
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