About
I offer comprehensive bass guitar, acoustic contra bass, and music theory studies (modal study, note reading, technical studies) that allow the student to become a viable musician in their own right. By teaching the Language of Music to students, I am able to help them speak fluently in their own voice.
This year (2018) is my 36th year as a Bass Instructor! Anyone can see my videos available at YouTube. Or, you can pick up my book, The BASSIST, at amazon.com
I work with the student to see that moment when the lightbulb turns on, and awakening happens! I also really enjoy hearing the student's voice develop, and hearing what they have to say musically!
Photos and videos
Reviews
Brent-Anthony J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by seeing how much musical understanding they have and how much music theory they can apply to their playing. From there, we begin to develop a practice regimen and we begin to look into their influences - and what that means to them.
Once we have plotted a musical course... we begin our musicl journey!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
30+ years of study with various instructors, in addition to University level instruction. I also study the various lessons avaiable on YouTube and other sources.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$35 - per 60 minute lesson
$30 - per 45 minute lessson
$25 - per 30 minute lesson
I also share lesson excerpts from books I have written via GOOGLE Docs.
How did you get started teaching?
In the summer of 1979 (when I was 15-years-old) I received a request from a friend to give a music lesson to their band's bass player. He liked the lesson, and by the end of that year, I had a small roster of 5 students. Minimum wage was $2.90, and I was charging $5.00 per weekly 30-minute lesson. I was still charging $5.00 per 30-minute lesson when I left my hometown for college, in 1983, and I was still well above $3.35 the minimum wage! By then, I had 12 students. I taught through college, and also maintained a rigorous gig schedule. In the winter of 1987, and after my first 2 musical tours, I relocated to work with college friends to Boulder, CO and I began teaching again. After 30 years of marriage, children, grandchildren, and 3 homes... I still teach!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students ranging from absolute beginners to graduate level college students. At this time, I prefer students who have (at least) 6-months on the instrument. But, I am not opposed to beginners who possess a great work ethic.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I taught a young man from his Sophomore year of High School all the way through his 5-year Music/Double Major. At the time he was receiving his well-earned degree he confided, "You're teaching me things they haven't even mentioned at school! I have been ahead of the college's Music Program for 5 years, thanks to you!"
As an instructor, that is a wonderful thing to hear!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Purchase a quality instrument, and begin studying Youtube.com videos that discuss technique, scales, and building bass lines. Have a firm understanding of what you're interested in learning before contacting a teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Exactly that: "What need do I (as a prospective student) have, musically?" If the need is to learn cover songs in order to play in a friend's band... Find a teacher that teaches in that way! Otherwise, there can be a lot of frustration for both the student and the instructor in the instructor's lesson plan doesn't work well for the student.