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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Contrabass Conversations production team:

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712: Dr. James Day and Trevor Jones: The Scholarship Roadmap

Today’s episode is the 2nd 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.

“We have to understand the significance of what we’re doing, the place it is has in the world, and the potential impact every one of those choices can make.”  -Dr. James Day

On today’s show, I’m chatting with Dr. James Day. James is Director of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music and Associate Professor of Music at Gettysburg College

I wanted to talk to James to get a sense of what a Conservatory looks for in prospective students and what students can do to make sure they’re prepared for music school. 

We dig into:

33s – James Day’s background
5m59  – Why should someone major in music?
8m53s – Music in a Liberal Arts setting
11m43s – Different types of music majors 
16m43s – Scholarship opportunities (even for non-majors)
27m18s – Best practices to secure a scholarship 
33m13 – COVID 19

Thanks for listening! -Trevor Jones

Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

Contrabass Conversations production team:

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711: The Scholarship Roadmap with Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones is launching a new program called The Scholarship Roadmap that addresses the tricky business of choosing a college that fits your musical needs.  

We talk about the challenges, experiences, and tactics that Trevor has developed through his broad range of experiences teaching at the high school and collegiate level.  Enjoy!

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Contrabass Conversations production team:

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Johnny Hamil on Bassists 4 Bassists

Johnny Hamil has been building bass events for the past decade, and he has organized something really special for this summer: Bassists 4 Bassists.

This online event will take place July 7-11, and will feature Francois Rabbath, Lynn Seaton, Jessica Valls, Hans Sturm, Billy Sheehan, and many other well-known bassists.

You can register here, and check out this preview video to get a taste of what’ll be happening at the event.  Hope to see you there!

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Contrabass Conversations production team:

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709: Helen Svoboda on her solo album

Helen Svoboda has just released a solo album titled Vegetable Bass featuring her compelling compositional voice and combination of bass and vocals.

I had the chance to chat with her in 2019, and it was so much fun connecting with her about this new project and other topics.

In addition to the album, we talk about our current respective living situations, her upcoming move back to Australia and how the pandemic temporarily derailed it, how she began using the bow, and much more.

Check out Helen’s new album here, and be sure to follow her on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook!

Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

Contrabass Conversations production team:

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