David Lester Music

David Lester Music

5.0Exceptional(12 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Hello! I have been teaching private lessons since the fall of 2006, and it's a true joy for me.

I am a multi-faceted bassist in Frederick, MD, active in the Baltimore/Washington music scene, with over 15 years of experience playing in rock/pop, funk, and blues bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles.

I have been fortunate to gain experience teaching age groups and skill levels. I teach to each student’s style of learning and thinking, and approach my job from a place of respect for the students. The most fundamental quality of my teaching style is my desire to make everything I teach relevant and personal for the students, so that they truly connect to what is being taught, rather than simply learning facts and assimilating information. I'm proud to say that all of my students who have been college-bound have gotten accepted to the first school of their choice, including Berklee School of Music, The New School, Shenandoah Conservatory, USC Thornton School of Music, Belmont University, and University of Denver School of Music.

I love music with all my heart, and there is little else more rewarding than sharing this joy and passion to students. No matter whether my students are beginners or advanced, the joy I get from teaching comes from working with someone who is excited about the instrument I love, and helping them acheive their goals.


Highlights

Hired 11 times
1 employee
18 years in business
Serves Washington , DC
Offers online services

Social media


Specialties

Instrument(s)

Piano, Violin, Guitar, Drum, Cello, Other, Student does not play an instrument

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate

Students age

10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older

Interest(s)

Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.), Harmonization, Counterpoint, Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training), Other

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    RP

    Richard P.

    David has helped me improve in a short amount of time by noticing all the things I’m doing wrong and helping me correct them. I was stuck in the mud with my progress prior to starting lessons with David. I look forward to learning more from him and continuing this progress.
    ... Show more
    May 13, 2022
    Hired on Lessons

    DM

    Daysha M.

    He’s awesome! I feel like i’m actually learning when we have a session. Any questions that i have he’s has an answer, even if it’s not directly about the bass, like music theory or anything about music in general. He also talked time to learn what I want out of being a musician and curates our lessons to that while still teaching me fundamentals. #1 things is that he’s patient. If he knows that pure trying and your not getting it he’s will to got over a section again and again until you get it right. Very thankful for David.
    ... Show more
    May 13, 2022
    Hired on Lessons

    MJ

    Ms. J.

    Sat in on my nieces lesson and David was awesome! He was personable, as well as knowledgeable. My niece had 30 minutes with him and left knowing how to tune her guitar, how to strum the strings to get full sound, and close/open hand techniques. Give him a try...You wont be disappointed.
    ... Show more
    November 12, 2021
    Hired on Lessons

    CM

    Colin M.

    David is professional, clear, and very knowledgeable about bass guitar. Gives good advice and makes good observations about technique even with the limitations of online lessons.
    ... Show more
    November 05, 2021

    TB

    Tiffany B.

    I like that David is an expert in his field, yet communicates his knowledge in easy to understand terminology. He is also very relational and fun to work with. I have appreciated having weekly lessons with him over the years and watching myself grow in learning music theory. I highly recommend him!
    ... Show more
    October 15, 2021

    JM

    Jay M.

    I have known David Lester for 15 years, and have studied string bass with him over the last 8 years. He can train a student equally well with French bow or German bow, which is quite unusual. My German bow technique is improving with his guidance.
    There is never a harsh word from David. He is an accomplished bassist (both classical and jazz music). He observes the student closely and makes astute observations to improve the students bass knowledge. In my 45 years of playing bass with more than a dozen teachers, David Lester is the absolute best.
    ... Show more
    October 13, 2021

    Frequently asked questions

    My first question to a new student is: what are YOU interested in? I have a standard curriculum that I teach to every student who just wants to explore their instrument, but my priority is to help each student accomplish their individual goals. What kind of music do you want to play? What techniques are you hoping to work on? If it's wide open, that's fine too! Ultimately, my job is to help you teach yourself.

    My formal education consists of a BA in Music History, and I'm currently enrolled in a Master's program in bass performance at Manhattan School of Music. Most of my musical training, though, has been informal, through private lessons, self-teaching, and "on-the-job" training at gigs and jam sessions. I started playing in public in high school, and have been going ever since.

    I charge $30 for a half hour lesson, and $60 for an hour lesson.

    I started teaching in the fall of 2006, when a position opened up at the music store where I was taking lessons! I was a freshman in college, and my teacher recommended me for the job. I figured it would be a way to make some money part-time while in college, but I quickly fell in love with teaching and it became so much more than a job to me. I knew that I would always want to teach as part of my career, and it has enriched my life so much, both musically and personally.

    I've worked with all types of students, from 6-year old beginners, to middle and high school students, to adult hobbyists. My favorite type of student, across the board, is one who simply loves to play and learn, whether that's a career-bound high schooler or a retiree who always wanted to learn an instrument and finally has the time.

    Talk to the teacher! Find out if you are a good fit for each other, and if the teacher can help you realize your particular goals.


    Services offered

    Bass Guitar
    Music Theory