Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

713: Rob Kassinger and Trevor Jones: The Scholarship Roadmap

Today’s episode is the 3rd of 4 of The Scholarship Roadmap’s takeover of the Contrabass Conversations podcast feed. The Scholarship Roadmap is an online program for student musicians pursuing careers in music. It was developed by Contrabass Conversations team member, Trevor Jones. Book a discovery call with Trevor to see if it’s right for you.

“What I’m looking for is seriousness, talent, and a work ethic that exceeds that talent.” -Rob Kassinger

Today I’m chatting with Chicago Symphony Orchestra bassist and Professor of Double Bass at DePaul University School of Music, Rob Kassinger.

Rob and I dig into a bunch of topics that were chosen to provide clarity to the student musician who is looking into musical schools.

•35s – Rob’s background 
•6m20s – am I right for a music degree?
•9m50s – Finding the right teacher
•13m57s – What does Rob look for in a student?
•21m50s – Am I ready for music school?
•26m05s – Audition Day — From Rob’s perspective. 
•28m25s – Common mistakes in an audition
•31m40s – Rob’s audition advice
•37m05s – What should I do about Covid-19? Is online education worth it?

Thanks for listening! -Trevor Jones

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CBC 45: Colin Corner interview 2 and Rob Kassinger music

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features the conclusion of our chat with Minnesota Orchestra bassist Colin Corner. Colin joined the orchestra in 2006 after being a member of the Vancouver Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic. In this episode we discuss the process of taking an audition for an ensemble like the Minnesota Orchestra–the various rounds, screen (or lack thereof), and repertoire. We also discuss improvisation, parallels between classical music and jazz, Colin’s sources of musical inspiration, and his instrumental activities outside of the orchestral sphere.

Check out episode 34 of the podcast for the first part of this interview.

We also feature a recording of “Trioticism” from Chicago Symphony bassist and Contrabass Conversations interview guest Rob Kassinger. Enjoy!

CBC 44: Rob Kassinger interview 2 and music from Djordje Stijepovic

This week’s Contrabass Conversations Episode features the second part of our interview with Chicago Symphony bassist Rob Kassinger. Last time we heard from Rob (on episode 25), we talked about his early years on the bass, growing up in Colorado, playing jazz and electric bass, studying the instrument, and studying with Homer Mensch in New York City.

This episode, we talk about Rob’s time in the New Orleans Symphony, Colorado Symphony, and then moving into the Chicago Symphony.

Rob talks about the materials he works on with students, like etudes and Simandl, plus what gear Rob uses and how his band NYCO developed.

We’ll also be hearing three tracks from Bay Area bassist Djordje Stijepovic. Enjoy!

CBC 25: Rob Kassinger interview

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features an interview with and music from Chicago Symphony bassist Rob Kassinger. Rob’s musical interests span many genres and include both the electric bass and the double bass. You will learn about Rob’s early years on the bass and how working in jazz and rock settings led to an interest in orchestral double bass playing in this fascinating interview.

This episode also features Rob playing the first movement of the Breval Sonata in a live performance, and it includes a track from NYCO, a rock band that Rob was a member of for several years. You will be hearing People We Knew from their recent album ‘Two’.