“What you cannot do today, you will do tomorrow”
— François Rabbath
 

Lessons

Looking to hone your craft or pick up a new musical skill? Schedule a consultation or a lesson, and meet with me one-on-one to work towards becoming the musician and artist that you want to be.

As an educator, I believe that all students have the ability to improve and reach heights that they might now consider to be unattainable. Progress is not linear, but consistency (both from the student, teacher, and family/environment) are key to long term growth and to reaching the students individual goals. Being in a teaching role is a tremendous responsibility that I take very seriously, and inclusivity of students from varying backgrounds, beliefs, and learning styles is one of my highest priorities as I strive to foster a musical community that values individuality with a deep-rooted connection to fundamentals and self-accountability.

Learn more about the different kinds of lessons I offer below:

 

Double Bass Lessons

 

I offer double bass lessons online (via zoom) and in-person (available primarily to individuals within the Greater Houston Area).

MATERIALS

Instrument:
Students should have a good quality double bass to practice on at home and in lessons. I will be more than happy to help the student or family find one as necessary.

Further required materials:

  • A well-maintained bow with fresh rosin to create a full-bodied and physically healthy sound

  • Music for the lesson (as specified in previous lesson(s))

  • Lesson Notebook

  • Metronome

Required books:

  • “Progressive Repertoire Vol. 1-3” George Vance

  • “Nouvelle Technique de la Contrebasse, Vol. 1-3” François Rabbath

Suggested books:

  • “Strokin’ ” Hal Robinson

  • “Fractal Fingering” David Allen Moore

  • “Practice Mind” Hans Jorgen Jensen

  • “Bow Works” Caroline Emery

  • “Jamming on the Bass Vol. 1” Johnny Hamil

  • “Nouvelle Technique de la Contrebasse, Vol. 4-5” François Rabbath


PRACTICE

Students (and their family) must be committed to daily practice in order to see growth on their instrument. Consistency is paramount in learning and developing a musical skill. Parents should be monitoring the student’s practice on a weekly basis to promote good practice habits. A minimum of 1 hour per day of practice is recommended, with this minimum naturally increasing to 2-3 hours as students get older/more experienced.

Composition Lessons

I offer composition lessons online (via zoom) and in-person (available to individuals within the Greater Houston Area).

MATERIALS

Notation:

Students will need some way to notate their ideas, exercises, and compositions. Handwritten notation is acceptable, as is using notation software such as Finale, Sibelius or Dorico (Finale preferred).

Recording:

Students will improvise frequently to generate ideas. As such, it will be helpful to have some way to quickly document these improvisations in the moment.

Vessel:

Finally, students will want a vessel of communication: some sort of instrument or expressive conduit by which to channel their ideas. An instrument, their voice, or a computer are all acceptable for these lessons.

PRACTICE/ IMPROVISATION

Students (and their family) must be committed to daily work (improvisation, notation, idea generation, etc) in order to see growth in their practice. Consistency is paramount in learning and developing a musical skill. Parents should be monitoring the student’s practice on a weekly basis to promote good practice habits.