I am a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator. I hail from the West Coast, and hold two Bachelors of Music in jazz performance and composition from Sonoma State University, and am a recent graduate from the Masters of Fine Arts program in music composition at Vermont College of Fine Arts. I can be seen playing in jazz combos at various venues, or touring with bands as a supporting member, while also leading my own group of original music. I have taught students of all backgrounds and ages for over ten years, specializing in piano, bass guitar, upright bass, and composition. I find so much joy in helping students find their artistic voice and helping them discover the magic of making music.

When did you begin playing Bass, and why?

I started playing bass when I was twelve years old, my mom is a musician and started me on piano lessons when I was five. When I got older she said I could pick a second instrument and I gravitated towards guitar, but my mom suggested I pick something else because that’s such a common instrument to play. So I went to bass and loved it instantly!

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

Piano since I was young! I also compose.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

I want to constantly be learning, I would like to have gigs every weekend, and I want to get better at using DAWs like logic and ableton!

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

I remember trying to incorporate a certain interval into my bass lines, and finally figuring out where it works and doesn’t work.

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

To play fast you must be able to play slow.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

I am a jazz musician and when I was first learning how to improvise I really struggled with that.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Probably receiving my masters in music composition!

Favorite thing about teaching?

That moment when that difficult piece of music that felt impossible is conquered!

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

There’s many many ways to music, if that one class, one teacher, one school, one instrument isn’t working for you, don’t give up, find what works for you!

Personal music projects:

My band was called Token Girl and our releases can be found on Spotify and on bandcamp: tokengirl.bandcamp.com

But I am currently in the midst of rebranding to my name- liss leigh

Releases to come!