Music Lessons - Double/Electric Bass, Theory, Composition, Improvisation, Pedagogy

From 36 £ /h

A holistic approach ensures that my students are encouraged and inspired to explore all aspects of music making from the very beginning.; active listening, improvisation, composition, ear training and rhythmic skills are used together to help to develop the whole musician and improve instrumental abilities.

I have experience teaching a wide range of people from young beginners to older professionals, and aim to develop the confidence and skills of my students in a safe and inclusive environment. I am happy to work towards grade exams, personal musical goals, conservatoire auditions, original songs/compositions, identifying together which areas we want to develop and work on and providing the necessary tools and resources to further skills. Most of all, I provide a fun and enthusiastic learning environment to make lessons enjoyable for everyone!

Lessons are available at my home in Hunslet or via Skype/Zoom. Teaching at your location will be at a higher rate based on distance and travel time.

I am a Masters qualified professional musician who is currently a senior lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, and also have 10 years experience teaching a variety of younger age groups through award wining organisations such as Symphony Hall Birmingham, Make The Paint Dance (Leeds) and NOFA.

Prices and subject areas are flexible - please do feel free to get in touch!

TESTIMONIALS

"Really friendly and patient chap. Great teacher, he went through everything thoroughly and made me feel confident in my abilities. Highly recommend :-)"

"James is responsive and invested teacher who in inspires both creativity and discipline in his lessons, and always leaves me with something new to think about."

"Really friendly and patient chap. Great teacher, he went through everything thoroughly and made me feel confident in my abilities. Highly recommend :-)"

"James, is a wonderful teacher with an amazing and specialised understanding of the instrument. He’s reliable, friendly and open to possibilities/ideas when teaching. This makes the lessons engaging for all levels."

Location

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At student's location :

Around Leeds, United Kingdom

At teacher's location :

Grange Road, Hunslet, Leeds, UK

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

Jazz and improvised music is my focus as a professional musician, however I believe that musical development is encouraged by listening to and playing a wide range of music. I have had experience in orchestral settings (symphony, chamber and string orchestras), having studied classical double bass with renowned bassist Thomas Martin, and lead my own ensembles, and work as a sideman in numerous ensembles in both the UK and EU.

I have performed in venues in the UK such as the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall, at Manchester and London Jazz Festivals, as well as regularly touring in venues across the UK and Europe. I have also performed on live radio broadcasts for the BBC, BR Klassik in Germany and Sveriges Radio in Sweden, and in venues around the world such as Konzerthaus Berlin and King Fahad Culture Centre in Saudi Arabia.

My own music has been supported by the Berlin State Department for Culture and Europe, Initiativ Musik (Germany), Hanns Eisler/University of the Arts (Berlin) and Making Music/Sound and Music/PRSF/BBC (UK).

Education

Master of Music - Berlin University of the Arts/Jazz Institute Berlin (Distinction)
Bachelor of Music (1st Class Hons) - Birmingham Conservatoire
State school education (13 GCSEs, 4 A Levels)

Experience / Qualifications

Teaching experience
- Senior Lecturer in jazz, ensemble, improvisation, double bass and collaborative composition at Leeds Conservatoire
- Freelance outreach work with Jazzlines THSH, NOFA and Make The Paint Dance
- 10 years double and electric bass, theory and composition private tuition

Portfolio overview:
Adopt a Composer 2018/2019 (in conjunction with Making Music, Sound and Music, PRS Foundation and BBC Radio 3)
Commissions from The Arc Project (York), Stephanie Lamprea (NYC), Vanguard (Manchester)
Composition Scholarship from Berlin's UdK/Hanns Eisler
20+ releases on UK/EU labels and self-releases
Recipient of funding from the Berlin State, Arts Council England and Initiative Musik

Other relevant qualifications:
A Level Music and Music Technology
Grade 8 Electric Bass

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

30 minutes

45 minutes