Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1072: Joyful Connections – The Power of Music with Roberto Cassani

In this episode, Roberto Cassani shares his journey into the world of improvised music and his latest project Music for the purpose of Joy, which provides group music sessions to children, young people and adults based on his improvisational approach. 

Initially focused on mastering his instrument and securing gigs, Roberto discovered a profound sense of joy and connection through improvisation. He discusses his academic research into the emotional and social benefits of music improvisation, highlighting the positive impacts on community building and personal interaction. 

Roberto also details his methods for engaging different groups, from children to university students, in creative music-making sessions. Additionally, he talks about his recent musical projects and the importance of fostering joy and connection through music.

Enjoy, and check out Roberto’s past podcast appearances here.

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Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1071: Tim Cobb on the path to becoming New York Philharmonic Principal Bassist

In this episode, New York Philharmonic principal bassist Tim Cobb discusses his journey from growing up in Albany with a musically gifted family to his renowned career in the New York Philharmonic. Tim shares anecdotes about his father’s influence, his early experiences in Albany’s vibrant music scene, and his tenure at the Metropolitan Opera.

He reflects on his time studying with Roger Scott at Curtis, his involvement with the Marlboro Music Festival, and the transition from the Met Orchestra to the Philharmonic.

Tim also delves into his teaching philosophy, the importance of enthusiasm and work ethic in students, and the evolving world of double bass craftsmanship. 

Enjoy, and check out the video version here.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1070: The Story Behind ‘Lost Beauty’ – Szymon Marciniak on Recording, Repertoire, and Gut Strings

In this episode, I chat with Szymon Marciniak about his newly released album ‘Lost Beauty: Music for Double-Bass by František Hertl and Contemporaries.’ Szymon shares the recording process, the repertoire’s significance, and his experience using gut strings.

We discuss the challenges and inspirations behind the project, including the role of early 20th-century performance practices. The episode delves into the technical and emotional aspects of music-making and sheds light on how historical sound aesthetics shaped the album.

Check out this great new release from Szymon and Jongsuk Kim on the Solaire Records website, Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music!

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Thank you to our sponsor!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1069: Exploring Music and Innovation with Petru Iuga

In this conversation, Petru Iuga, a renowned Romanian double bassist, discusses his experiences during the pandemic, his contributions to the ToneBase platform, and the development of the ErgoBass, a product designed to enhance bass playing ergonomics.

He reflects on his musical journey, incorporating elements of martial arts into his musical practice, and the impact of physics and mindfulness in bass playing. P

etru also shares insights about his recently released album, which features a mix of familiar and less-known compositions, including works by Weinberg, Hindemith, and Schubert, emphasizing the music’s emotional and artistic depth.

Enjoy, and check out this video covering Petru’s innovative invention ErgoBass!

Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1068: Mastering Double Bass and Digital Presence with Emilse Rios

In this episode, Emilse Rios recounts her journey from studying music at the José Luis Paz Music Conservatory in Venezuela to balancing her academic pursuits in sociology at La Universidad del Zulia.

Emilse talks about the challenges and cultural richness of moving to Buenos Aires, her experiences as one of the few female double bass players, and the influence of her sociology background on teaching music. Through Venezuela’s national orchestra system, El Sistema, she has managed to blend her dual interests seamlessly.

She also delves into her strategies for maintaining an online presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, especially during the pandemic, and discusses the importance of efficient time management to balance her professional life and content creation.

Emilse shares valuable insights on finances, sustaining creativity, the myth of perfectionism in classical music, and the importance of building a supportive community through newsletters and independent platforms.

Enjoy, and connect with Emilse on her website and on Instagram!

Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.