About
Hi there! I'm Justine. I'm a full-time, professional musician working all over the world. I am currently the bass player for the Albert Castiglia Band, and we travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe playing music each year. I've been playing bass since December of 2002, and I graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. I have a bachelor's degree in Music Performance for Bass. I have played many different styles of music, jazz, rock, blues, Latin, R&B, funk, etc. I started teaching privately in 2005, teaching mostly adult students, but I've also taught high-school-age kids. I love teaching bass and helping others reach their musical goals. As a player and a teacher, I emphasize the importance of groove and fulfilling the role of a bass player. We are the support system, and it's our job to guide and make the rest of the band sound good. I believe it is important to thoroughly teach the basics of playing the instrument to build a solid foundation that will allow a student to tackle any playing challenge in the future. Please feel free to check out my website, www.beanbass.com, and search for Albert Castiglia Band on Youtube if you'd like to hear me play!
I have experience in all aspects of the journey of being a bass player, from being just a curious kid intrigued by the instrument to working as a full-time, professional, touring musician. Being able to share these different perspectives with those who are interested brings me great joy.
Bass is an often underrated and SUPER important instrument. I have a passion for helping to continue the tradition of solid, groove bass playing. While it may not be the flashiest or most exciting thing in the world, music wouldn't be nearly as good without it! I can't imagine a more important task for me to accomplish than to pass on what I know (and feel) about bass, whether through live performance or giving lessons to those who are touched by this instrument.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First and foremost, I like to get to know a student. Why are you interested in bass? What are your goals? What type of music are you interested in/do you listen to? Anything specific you want to learn? I tailor my lessons around the student.
While there are certain foundational things that I mostly always like to include in my teaching (technique, light music reading/theory as applicable, time), ultimately, this experience is about you and what you are looking to get out of it.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music for bass performance. I started playing music at a young age, and so have extensive music-reading skills and theory study under my belt.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My current pricing is typically $30/half hour, $50/hour lessons, but I'm flexible depending on the situation. I want to make sure my lessons are accessible and affordable to all who are truly interested in learning some bass.
How did you get started teaching?
I had my first student when I was in high school. A younger friend had some interest in bass, so I volunteered for the job!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with mostly novice, adult students who were looking to play bass for fun or to pick up a new skill. I've had a younger student here and there, as well.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you find a teacher who is willing to teach you about the things you want to learn. There are lots of different approaches out there. I would venture to say that, for the most part, there is no right or wrong as far as methods or ideologies. Getting the job done right is what matters, and if you're doing that, I'd say you're golden. Find a teacher whose teaching methods inspire you to keep practicing. There's nothing worse than dreading your next lesson. Believe me, I know - been there, done that!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why are you interested in bass? What are your goals in bass playing (jamming with friends, playing out occasionally, full-time professional)? What type of music are you interested in? What types of music do you listen to? Is there anything specific you want to learn (songs, techniques, etc.)? What is your preferred learning style (learn by ear, physically show me, read tabs, read music)?