About
I teach double bass, bass guitar lessons, and beginner piano. I have been teaching for over 20 years now. I teach all styles of music classical, jazz, and pop music. As a bass teacher I can teach beginner through professionals. My most recent advanced high school student recieved a scholarship to Interlochen Arts Academy for his Junior and Senior years.
A little bit more about me:
I began playing piano at the age of 6 and double bass at 10. I received my bachelors of music in jazz performance from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. I studied bass with Dennis Irwin, Todd Coolman, and Madison Rast. I play a wide variety of styles classical, jazz, pop, and bluegrass. My playing has been featured on over 30 albums as well as television and film, and I perform about 150 shows a year.
My favorite part about teaching music is sharing what I love, which is playing music. Playing music can be challenging and frustrating, but it is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I love helping a student overcome a problem they may be having, whether its playing a difficult passage, or a complicated fingering, and showing them that anything is possible with some determination. Music taught me to be persistent, dedicated and to have high expectations for myself and I love to share that with people.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
Dom V.
Gabrielle
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelors in Music, Jazz Performance, SUNY Purchase 2001
Over 25 years experience playing bass and over 30 years playing piano
Performances all over the US and Canada including performances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and several major universities.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40 for half hour lesson
$80 for an hour lesson
How did you get started teaching?
My first teaching job was during college at a summer camp that I had attended as a student. I love to work with kids and share my passion for music with them. Since that first teaching job I've just never stopped.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with any student that has an interest in the instrument. They don't have to be pursuing it as a profession, it just has to be something they want to do. If they are willing to put in a little time to practice between lessons, and have a good attitude during the lesson, then I am happy to teach them.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who specializes in what you are looking to do. If you want to play double bass, look for someone who plays that as their main instrument, not a cello teacher who will also teach bass.
Second look for someone who specializes in the style you want to learn. If you are a beginner and haven't figured that out yet, then look for a teacher with a background in classical or jazz music. That teacher will be able to set you up with solid fundamentals so that you can go anywhere from there.