I have been teaching and performing in the Philadelphia area for 15 years. I studied bass at Mansfield University with Ken Filano and Jeffery Jacobsen. I specialize in upright and electric bass but also play and teach guitar, piano, drums, and cello for students of all ages. I am a firm believer that music is the universal language and learning the basic vocabulary in an organic way, leads to greater creative freedom when performing and composing music on any level. As such, my method of teaching can be described as theory based with a focus on musicianship that has been informed from years as a gigging musician on the east coast. I teach music through a variety of lenses and methods to best suit the needs of the student whether they are learning to play their favorite songs or preparing for a life as a professional musician.

When did you begin playing Bass, and why?

I started playing electric bass at 14 and picked up upright for college at 18.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

Intermediate guitar, piano, and drums. A little bit of cello.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

To make a living doing what I love through a combination of teaching, gigging, and especially studio recording.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

When I learned the Purdie Shuffle on the drums. It changed my whole concept of what it meant to truly feel what you’re playing.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

Do not practice fast with the goal of playing fast; speed comes with making your understanding of the technique second nature.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

When I first made the transition to upright bass; the learning curve and adjustment of technique

was certainly a shock after playing electric for so long.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Being in the studio with Modern Baseball.

Favorite thing about teaching?

Watching students learn about themselves as they forge their own unique musical path.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

Music is the universal language and the secret is there is no secret: learn the vocabulary and you will be able to express yourself freely.

Personal music projects:

Corey Rader, Masila Muli, Modern Baseball, Marissa Joy, Puzzle Palace, Master Onymous.