Teaching (in person/online)
I offer lessons in double bass, electric bass, western European music theory (including UK graded exams), jazz theory and harmony, composition and improvisation. I am accepting students at all levels and ages, from new starters to professional musicians. Each student receives tailored lessons as well as additional audio/video feedback between scheduled lessons (free – on request). Teaching is delivered in English (native), German or French.
As well as more general instrumental/composition lessons, I also specialise in some of the following areas:
- double bass posture, physicality, sound production, arco (bow) technique, set-up, extended techniques
- Ableton Live as a recording, production and composition tool – specialising in concepts of post-production and post/re-composition of recorded material through editing and post-processing
- purchase of double basses and other string instruments
- using creative limitations to develop improvisation and composition practise, ideas and confidence
- free improvisation as a soloist and in group contexts
- the Great American Songbook repertoire (learning, memorising, listening, improvising)
- interpretation of written material
- self-releasing, freelancing, performance practise, collaboration best practise
We can do a free 15 minute consultation (phone/Skype/Zoom) to discuss what you’d like to develop during the lessons, or you can also contact me by email here. Likewise, if you just need a one off refresher on a specific thing, this is also possible.
Please note, if you come to this page via another teaching service, listing website or agent, please enquire directly – by doing so I will be able to offer the best price and you will not pay any commission for any services provided by anyone else.
My teaching experience is as follows:
- 15 years private tuition of double bass, electric bass, bass ukulele
- Senior Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire (view faculty profile), teaching contemporary improvisation and coordinating/teaching collaborative composition, as well as work in the Junior Department and with Actor Musicians
- Workshop leader for Jazzlines (Town Hall Symphony Hall Birmingham) and Make The Paint Dance (Leeds), freelance teacher with Harrogate Music School
I have a DBS check (Führungszeugnis in Germany) and am available in person in Neukölln and Tempelhof, Berlin, or online with a professional standard audio/video set up. My studio is equipped with studio quality RME interface and Focal Alpha 80 Evo monitors, full band set-up and is acoustically treated. I hold Recognised Teacher Status from the University of Hull, Bachelor of Music (Jazz) from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Master of Music from Jazz Institut Berlin (Udk/HfM Hanns Eisler Berlin), and deliver lessons in English or German.
Please feel free to get in touch with any enquiries ->
Recording
My studio set up includes Ableton, WA47 / Line Audio CM4 mics and an RME interface, and am always glad to take part in new collaborations, remote recordings, band and solo projects in a variety of genres. See releases and video for more info/examples. I am also available for sound design and composition projects, as well as mixing and mastering – contact me for rates or with any other questions ->
I have recorded, mixed or mastered the following albums:
Practically Married: Practically Married (mix / master)
Borage: transitory (recording / mix / master)
James Banner: solo (recording / mix / master)
Megan Jowett: crumbs everywhere (recording / mix /master)
Practically Married + João Pereira: Ao vivo no Café Dias (mix / master)
James Banner 