Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1064: Exploring Intonation – A Double Bass Journey with Lauren Pierce

In this episode, double bass performer and educator Lauren Pierce delves into the inspiration and development of her new book on intonation titled ‘Please Play in Tune.’

She shares her personal journey and challenges in tackling the daunting topic! We explore the concepts of ear, technique, and response as key elements in mastering intonation.

Lauren discusses the importance of making intonation a fun and rewarding process while addressing common misconceptions, such as the belief that intonation is an innate ability. Through detailed exercises, etudes, and repertoire examples, she provides a structured method for musicians to improve their playing technique. Her approach aims to demystify the process and make it accessible, even for individuals learning without a teacher.

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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.

1063: Financial Strategies for Young Musicians with Trevor Jones

In this episode, Jason Heath and Trevor Jones discuss the financial challenges and strategies for young musicians. They draw parallels between financial management and scheduling, emphasizing the importance of planning for unexpected expenses.

They share personal experiences from their early freelance careers, highlight the significance of building financial habits, and explore achieving financial flexibility in a music career. The episode also addresses broader financial principles, such as saving habits, budget management, diverse revenue streams, and seeking opportunities beyond traditional paths in the music industry.

Trevor also wrote an accompanying blog post titled Personal Finance For Musicians: Getting Started.

Enjoy, and a big shout-out to podcast listener Rick Dennis for the topic idea!

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Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

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.

1062: Ali Watson – A Journey Through Jazz from London to Glasgow and Beyond

In this episode, we chat with Ali Watson, a Glasgow-based bassist, who is set to release his debut album, ‘Terrarium,’ on November 26th. Ali shares his experiences from studying jazz at the Guildhall in London and contrasts it with Glasgow’s smaller but thriving jazz scene. He reflects on his musical influences, the process of creating his album, and the unique jazz community in Scotland. We also explore his early days in music, including his classical training and transition to jazz, as well as his participation in various projects and collaborations.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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.

1061: From Biology to Bass – Aidan Plank’s Musical Journey

In this episode, Aidan Plank shares his unique journey from attempting nursing school and working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to becoming a dedicated bassist and educator. Aidan recently joined the music faculty at Bowling Green State University.

He discusses his transition from biology to music, the influence of early mentors, and his experiences teaching and playing jazz. Aidan reflects on the challenges and rewards of composing for big bands, the intricacies of playing on gut strings, and the importance of following one’s passion, even if it leads to unexpected places.

Along the way, he offers insights into the practical challenges of being a musician, such as long commutes and the benefits of taking breaks during travels. Whether considering a significant career shift or simply pondering the diverse paths within the music world, Aidan’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of pursuing what truly brings joy and fulfillment.

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

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

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.

1060: Mastering Auditions Through Technique and Intonation with Daniel Chiva Sanz

In this episode, Daniel Chiva Sanz shares his journey of mastering musical auditions by focusing on technical precision and intonation. Two years ago, after a failed audition at the Seattle Symphony, he realized that his practice method needed restructuring. The result is ‘The School of Patience,’ an exercise series that develops the intonational security required to develop a professional level of playing and win auditions.

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

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

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.