Hal Robinson joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on bass pedagogy, sound, and the practical fundamentals that actually move the needle. Hal reflects on his path from early studies with Paul Ellison to a career that spans major orchestras, and shares how working alongside influential musicians like François Rabbath and Edgar Meyer helped shape a flexible, student-first teaching philosophy.

We also dig deep into Hal’s latest book Hitch-hikin’, which is a new look at the concepts Hal explored in his book Boardwalkin’ We dig into pivot health, low thumb position (“thumbage”), shifting under slurs, and why “covering notes” can create more problems than it solves.

Enjoy, and check out my looks inside The Quad, Strokin’, and Boardwalkin’, plus our earlier episode on Wabass. You can learn more about Hal on his profile pages and Curtis, Juilliard, and the McDuffie Center for Strings.

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Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.

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Gear used to record this podcast

• Zoom H6 studio 8-Track 32-Bit Float Handy Recorder
• Rode Podmic
• Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
• Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens
• Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens

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