Bass Lessons

Philadelphia Upight Bass Teachers

1/2 hr, 45 min, 1 hr Lessons

In Home, Studio and online Lessons

Studio Lessons in Fishtown and South Philly
In Home Lessons in Philadelphia, Lower Merion, Main-Line

Upright & Electric

Classical Studies

Theory & Technique

Jazz Improvisation

Rock, Pop, Funk & More

Bass Line Construction

All Ages & Skill Levels

what students are saying

Bass Lessons

Like so many people, I played music in middle school band for all of 3 years and then gave up on music for various reasons. Fast forward many, many moons and about 17 years, and now I'm an adult with a bass guitar, an itch to play, but no real knowledge of music theory and a rudimentary understanding of the bass. I remembered walking past Philly Music Lessons and thought I'd give it a try. After 6 months of lessons with Collin, I can say I'm so glad I decided to sign up for lessons! Collin to so patient and helpful and has a wealth of knowledge. He does a great job of breaking down information into bite size pieces and really works with you to make your lessons meaningful to your individual goals and musical taste. I'd recommend Philly Music Lessons to anyone interested in pursuing a musical journey.

Danielle G.

Increase your knowledge of upright bass (double bass), or learn this string instrument as a beginner. Our teachers offer lessons to children and adults alike. We teach the basic skills, such as rest stroke and bowing, which apply to studies in jazz, classical, bluegrass and more.

Electric bass guitar is the foundation of a band. Working from tabs or standard notation, beginners will be able to follow along with their favorite songs in no time. More advanced students can learn theory and how to construct bass lines.

BEGINNER STUDENTS

A beginner bass student can expect to learn the basics of his or her instrument. This includes how to tune it and where to find the notes. Students will also learn the fundamental techniques of playing, such as:

  • fingering the electric bass
  • bowing the upright bass
  • major and minor scales
  • time signatures
  • chords and arpeggios

Depending on the goals of the student and teacher, students can learn to read traditional notation, tab, or both. In addition to one-on-one guidance during lessons, teachers will show the student how to practice effectively on their own in a way that enforces good habits and develops a steady sense of time. Together, the student and teacher will lay out fundamental skills while also learning songs to keep the lessons fun and engaging.

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED STUDENTS

An intermediate level bass student will expand on the fundamentals to explore the specific styles of music that they enjoy playing and develop their ability to write and play their best bass lines.  At this level, students will study the role of the bass in an ensemble within various genres, and learn to use their knowledge to play collaboratively with others. Advanced playing techniques that may be more genre specific such as picking, slapping, and playing chords will be studied.

The student should also expect to study more advanced concepts in music theory such as jazz harmonies and playing in advanced time signatures. Improvisational soloing in various genres will be studied theoretically and practically. A fantastic tool for this is transcribing solos from the great players of the past! You can learn so much about the music theory and creativity required to make a great improvisation by carefully looking at what has been done before.

Musical instruments can be expensive and complicated investments that can feel daunting for people who are just starting out, but our teachers are there for our students every step of the way! Our instructors can help the student put together a bass rig with the perfect tone, features, and budget for their needs, as well as help them learn how to properly maintain the instrument throughout their studies. Students of all ages and ability levels will find Philly Music Lessons a fabulous place for growth that fosters a talent that will stay with them for a lifetime. We can help guide bassists of all kinds through the most important years of their development!

Our teachers

Bass Instructors

Tyler Bussey

Tyler Bussey

Banjo, Guitar & Bass

Tomas Fala

Tomas Fala

Guitar, Bass & Piano

Ryan Shello

Bass, Guitar, Ukulele

Pat Oberstaedt

Pat Oberstaedt

Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Saxophone, Trumpet

Pansy Lee

Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Trumpet, Tuba, Horn, Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Trombone, Violin, Voice

Melissa Hubbell

Liss Leigh

Piano, Bass, Upright Bass

Louis Rabin-Lobron

Louis Rabin-Lobron

Guitar, Bass

Kit Graci

Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitar, Voice

Kei Kiatpreecha

Kei Kiatpreecha

Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone

Joseph Primavera

Owner, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Banjo & Ukulele

Drew Walker

Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass, Guitar, Ukulele, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Flute

Dan Halma

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele & Piano

Dan Fisk guitar lessons, philly, music, songwriting

Dan Fisk-Kallish

Administrative Assistant, Guitar, Bass & Ukulele

Corey Rader

Corey Rader

Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Piano, Guitar, Cello, Drums

Collin Dennen

Bass, Guitar, Piano, Voice, Drums

Alex Wash 2023

Alex Wash

Piano, Voice, Drums, Guitar & Bass

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Philly Music Lessons specializes in connecting students of all ages and skill levels with great teachers in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas.