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Graduated from Atlanta Institute of Music in the Electric Bass Certification Program 2017 Studied classical guitar with Bob Ferguson (Guitar Professor at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne) from 2010-2012 Studied upright bass with Kevin Piekarski (Principal bassist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra) from 2013-2014
2014 - Columbia City High School Louis Armstrong Jazz Award 2015 - Endorsed by Ernie Ball and Music Man; first 50 day tour
Hello! I'm Luke B.; an enthusiastic musician and educator who is new to the Seattle area. I'm originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana where I studied classical guitar under Bob Ferguson (Bob graduated from Jacob's School of Music at Indiana University and teaches the Bachelor's Guitar Performance program at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne), studied upright bass with Kevin Piekarski (bassist in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra), and was actively involved in marching band, percussion ensemble, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, as well as theory education throughout high school. I joined the touring progressive band Sirens on bass in February 2015, and am still currently playing with them. Shortly after joining Sirens we played the Indianapolis, IN date of The Vans Warped Tour. In October of 2015, I went on my first 50 date tour at the age of 19 with Sirens co-headlining with the instrumental band The Fine Constant. Sirens and I are currently endorsed by Ernie Ball and Music Man. After touring in 2015 I attended the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media where I studied contemporary and jazz music under Anthony East and Gary Wilkins. I graduated from AIMM in the Honor's Bass Certificate Program in September of 2017 and immediately relocated to Seattle. As of 2020 I am proud to say I have over 30 students in the area, and we've smoothly transitioned into video lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I see music and theory education as a necessity for all blossoming musicians, and I enjoy helping others along in their creative process. I have been giving private bass and guitar instruction since the age of 16, and I believe patience and a teaching style that adapts to each student is the key to success in an educational environment. My experiences, passion for all things instrumental, and enthusiastic outlook make me an excellent choice for students looking to explore the guitar or bass at any experience level.
For beginning students I find it is very essential to make sure the student understands proper left hand and right hand technique before getting into the thick of theory. It's important that a student can play the instrument comfortably before they have to worry about playing in time, reading notation, etc. I've used Mel Bay and Hal Leonard books in the past, and I am also open to any literature the student may have. For very young students I aim to spark their curiosity, excitement, and interest in music as well as teach them to play their instrument. For adult lessons I always try and teach towards the students specific interests in music. Adult lessons can be student led in a question and answer way, or I will create a lesson plan for the student based on their goals.
I find it's best to have an adaptable teaching style and realize that everyone learns in different ways. Some students are visual demonstration learners, some like to be lectured, some like to hear how things sound, some like to see information on paper, some like to get asked a question so they can lead themselves to the answer, and some may even need you to put their fingers exactly where they need to be. I try to ask my students about how they enjoy learning, or I will experiment with different teaching methods and figure out which works best for that individual student.