Double Bass Lessons

Learning the double bass well requires more than simply getting through pieces or orchestra parts.

At My Double Bass, lessons are designed to help students build a secure technical and musical foundation through focused work on posture, tone production, rhythm, intonation, and musicianship. The aim is to support progress that is clear, efficient, and sustainable over time.

Who Lessons Are For

These lessons may be suitable for:

beginners who want proper guidance on how to start the double bass well
school orchestra bassists who need more specialised support outside of CCA
students who feel stuck despite putting in effort
learners experiencing tension, discomfort, or technical confusion
students preparing for auditions, school music pathways, or longer-term musical development

Students usually benefit most when they are ready to study the double bass consistently as a meaningful main direction, especially when preparing within a limited timeline.

What Students Often Need Help With

Many students come for lessons because they are facing one or more of the following:

they have not had the chance to learn the instrument with proper guidance
they need help anchoring their basics
they have tried to learn on their own, but progress has stalled
they are experiencing tension or pain from inefficient setup
school training alone is not enough to support steady development
they need more focused guidance from a specialised double bass teacher

Lesson Approach

Lessons are structured according to the student’s current stage, needs, and goals.

Rather than rushing through material, the focus is on building good habits that support confident and lasting progress. This includes not only learning what to play, but also understanding how to practise effectively and develop reliable technique over time.

Learning Stages

Foundation

For students who are completely new to the instrument.

posture and setup
reading in bass clef
open-string pizzicato
bow hold (French or German)
open-string arco playing

Beginner

For students who are ready to move beyond the very basics.

left-hand note placement
one-octave major scales
pizzicato on stopped notes
simple bowing patterns and notation
early coordination between left and right hand

Intermediate

For students building more fluency and versatility on the instrument.

two-octave major and minor scales
arpeggios
sight-reading and leadsheet reading
exploration of different music genres
more advanced bowing control and articulation

Trial Lesson

A trial lesson helps assess the student’s current stage, suitability for the instrument, and learning needs, and allows me to advise on the most appropriate next steps.

Double basses are available for lessons, and online lessons via Zoom are also available.