International Society of Bassists

369: Kieran Hanlon on teaching the fundamentals

Kieran Hanlon is Assistant Professor of String Bass and Jazz at The State University of New York at Fredonia. In addition to his teaching, Kieran is a first call performer in both the classical and jazz idioms, and enjoys a diverse performing career in both genres across Upstate New York and Pennsylvania.

We dig into all kinds of topics, including:

what it was like starting college as a violin and jazz bass student
Kieran’s varied career path
going to Eastman for orchestral studies with James VanDemark
studying wth Steve Molina and Colin Corner
nuts & bolts teaching techniques for students in music education methods classes coming to the bass

368: John Davis on communication and business skills

John Davis is a great example of how musicians in smaller markets can create a vibrant career. John runs his own business, providing string instrument rentals and repairs. He also restrings tennis rackets!

Additionally, John serves as principal bass of the Salina Symphony. He teaches at Kansas Wesleyan University and maintains a private studio as well.

John’s background in radio, television, and film along with his background in business give him a valuable perspective on how to make a career as a musician regardless of where you live. This episode is filled with great advice!

367: Jon Liebman on 500+ bass player interviews

Jon Liebman is the founder of For Bass Players Only, which recently published its 500th interview. Jon is also the author of several titles for Hal Leonard and has a series of online bass lessons.

Jon and I had been in touch about doing an interview for the past six months, and the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention was a great opportunity to do so. We chatted about what Jon has learned during his 500+ interviews, some favorite past interviews of his, how he got into the book writing business, and much more!

366: Rick Jones of Acoustic Image

Rick Jones started Acoustic Image to solve the problem of hauling around a bulky amplifier that artificially colors the acoustic sound of the bass. As an engineer, he came up with unique methods of construction that keep the weight down and eliminate the problem of cabinets changing the sound of the instrument.

Rick had a prototype new amp at the convention and was getting feedback from convention participants. We chat about this prototype, the origins of Acoustic Image, and much more!

Be sure to check out the Acoustic Image Facebook page and check out this post about Martin Wind trying out the latest from the company.

365: Curtis Burris on delightful stories from the orchestra trenches

Curtis Burris has taught bass for many years at the Chautauqua Institution. I was with Kate Jones and ran into Curtis as he was chatting with Virginia Dixon on the streets of Ithaca. Kate is a former student of Curtis, and she set up this interview for the following day.

As it turns out, Curtis and I have a strangely large amount in common. We both:

went to Northwestern
taught at DePaul
played the Lithuanian Opera in Chicago
subbed in the Lyric Opera and Grant Park Symphony
played in Milwaukee (he was in the symphony and I played in the ballet)

Curtis shares a ton of hilarious tales from the orchestra trenches and offers a wonderful perspective on teaching. This conversation was a ton of fun!