Stephanie Patterson specializes in teaching adult learners. After playing professionally for a period of time, she developed an overuse injury and had to leave her symphonic career.
Her teaching career began by accident about 10 years ago when her former hairdresser wanted to learn to play bass to do rockabilly. Around the same time, she began corresponding with New York Philharmonic bassist and Manhattan School of Music bass faculty member Orin O’Brien.
Through her own experiences and advice from Orin, Stephanie has developed a teaching philosophy specifically tailored for adult learners.
We dig into the details surrounding this journey in this episode. If this resonates with you and you’d like to learn more, you can reach out to Stephanie via email.
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Out of all the podcasts I’ve heard on your site, this one resonates with me the most. I am one of those “dream deferred” bassists. I am 60 yrs. old and have always had an affinity for bass guitar, and upright bass, but never tried to really learn because of raising a family and other commitments. I am an Electrical Engineer so any free time is precious. I am about 2 years in training with my instructor Michael Bowie. I was very fortunate to meet him 5 years ago, and we have become good friends first, and teacher/pupil secondly.
He’s a renowned jazz bassist who’s played with Abbey Lincoln, Sarah Vaughn, Manhattan Transfer, and Betty Carter to name a few. (Jason you should look him up) Stephanie, has not only hit the mark, but tugged at my heart string, (or E string, 🙂 ) with regards to understanding the needs of the Adult Learner, and methods in how to teach folk like us. I listened to her approach, and she get’s us. We require lot’s of patience. We do possess type A personalities, set in our ways, and wanting everything to happen fast. Also physically, it goes without saying that youth is a great thing, especially with plying a physically demanding instrument like the upright bass. I’d love to connect with Stephanie, if for no other reason just to talk. If sh’e willing she can e-mail me. My info. is attached.
Loved this Podcast!!!
Hi Thomas—wow, thank you so much for writing! I’m right there with you 100%. Just forwarded your message to Stephanie. I’m so glad that this conversation resonated so deeply with you!