About
Christopher Dean Sullivan have been instructing beginner, intermediate, advanced, and master classes in bass, performance, and theory for 4 decades plus, in various Upstate New York schools, Brooklyn-Bronx-Manhattan borough schools, New Jersey schools, Private instruction in Connecticut, and Pittsburgh PA through the Jazz Workshop Inc.. The instruction model engages the student to understand that music is an integral component of the everyday growth, behavior, and outlook of self, and all that surrounds continual developing life. This is important to understand because music is sound, and sound is vibration, and we resonate to these stimuli. The student will receive a literary historical unique approach, while emerging into a voice of self-positive, and creative expression.
Refer to the website: http://www.christopherdeansullivan.com/press-kit.html
Mr. Sullivan has acquired a FDC (Family Development Credential) through Cornell University, along with a NY State SAC Credential. These certifications enables his strategy, overall, for a distinctive music program that also works with parents and teachers that are having issues with their child, and students of all ages. Refer to website: http://www.christopherdeansullivan.com/evolve.html
The lesson initiative conducted by Christopher Dean Sullivan has received various New York State community and arts services, municipal, congressional, NYS Assembly Merit, and Senate Proclamation awards, as well as the New York State Orange County Arts Council Champion for the Arts Award, Boys and Girls Club of America Recognition of Outstanding Arts Award, and other acknowledgements based on the experience displayed.
For more information on Christopher Dean Sullivan: https://youtu.be/qVophe7CHsk
http://www.christopherdeansullivan.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BassistChristopherDeanSullivan/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherdeansullivan/
....”Sophisticated Lady receives a swinging treatment, calling forth a sweet bass solo from Sullivan” ~ Philip van Vleck, BILLBOARD critics’ choice
“Bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan plays with a natural looseness, easily adapting to the great variety of prevailing directions of the tune.” ~ Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz
....”Sophisticated Lady receives a swinging treatment, calling forth a sweet bass solo from Sullivan” ~ Philip van Vleck, BILLBOARD critics’ choice
“Bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan plays with a natural looseness, easily adapting to the great variety of prevailing directions of the tune.” ~ Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz
The enjoyment of passing along the lessons in sound, and vibration. This, inclusively, opens one up to understanding the creative aspects of their own individuality. It is done in such a way that when this discovery thats place the acknowledgement of all else becomes paramount to each ones approach to an assured and purposeful life.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Determining the new student's level of proficiency, the student, or students, and I will have conversation on what and why is being sought. I'll go over various hand positions, rudiments, sound range of instrument, scale exercises, and sound development.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've attended various workshops, and clinics during Jazz Education Network (JEN), International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) conferences, Master Classes by other notable musicians such as Barry Harris, Nathan Davis (University of Pittsburgh), Bassist Ron Carter, and others within the field.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is based on how far is the travel: (Gas and Mileage round trip).
How long the lesson: (30 minute minimum to 60 minutes maximum.)
Materials needed: (Student has the material needed or I have to Supply)
The Level of the Lesson: Beginning, intermediate, Advanced, Improvisation, Master Instruction.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching privately. In 1975 I was hired by the Jazz Workshop Inc. in Pittsburgh PA, which I'm still associated with. I go into Pittsburgh to conduct Master Classes in Bass Improvisation, Big Band approach, Performance, Production.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of levels from actually placing their hands on the instrument to students that have a sense of performing proficiency
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Teaching a master class with a big band of 15 pieces, and having them understand blending, and hearing how flat 5th's, flat 9th's, and flat 13th's work within various patterns of moving progressions. Open playing within the moment, and moving intervals spontaneously.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I always advise a student to be sure this is something you actually want to do unless, of course, the parent has made the decision. Then the advice goes to the parent. At which point I will elaborate on the advantage of taking lessons. The student should invariably seek an instructor that keeps the student, or students engaged with interest.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about whether:
Is this something I actually want to do?
Will I take the time to Practice as needed?
What do I want to do in music?
What music style do I want to delve into?
Will I have fun doing this?