Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1085: Kathryn Schulmeister and Andrew Mell on starting a double bass event

In today’s podcast, we speak with Kathryn Schulmeister and Andrew Mell. Kathryn and Andrew joined the double bass faculty at the University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music in fall 2023, where they recently hosted the inaugural Pacific Bass Day in January 2025.

We explore their backgrounds, discuss the experience of launching their first bass day, and delve into their plans for the future, among other topics. Enjoy!

We explore their backgrounds, discuss the experience of launching their first bass day, and delve into their plans for the future, among other topics. Enjoy!

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1084: The Artemis Bass Initiative with Nina DeCesare

Today’s podcast features a conversation with Nina DeCesare about The Artemis Bass Initiative, an organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and nonbinary bassists through mentorship, orchestral training, and professional development.

We explore the origins of this project and discuss its key programs, including upcoming seminars, orchestral training, and mentorship opportunities.

To learn more, check out Nina’s past podcast appearances here and visit their website to subscribe to their newsletter. You can also support their mission through their crowdfunding campaign.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

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!

1083: Adam Ben Ezra on Heavy Drops and his creative career

Adam Ben Ezra is a truly original voice on the double bass, and each new project of his is fascinating in its own right. His latest album, a collaboration with Cuban drummer Michael Olivera titled Heavy Drops, is no exception.

We explore Adam’s life in the Portuguese countryside, the inspiration behind his latest album, his current approach to the double bass, his creative process with Ableton Live, and much more.

Check out Heavy Drops wherever you listen to music, and be sure to follow Adam on Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

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!

1082: TianYang Liu on solo, orchestra, and teaching

TianYang Liu currently teaches double bass at Beijing’s Central Conservatory. He earned First Prize at the 2013 International Society of Bassists Competition and has garnered top honors in several other competitions, including Singapore’s International Double Bass Competition and the San Francisco Conservatory’s Concerto Competition. He regularly performs solo recitals across the United States and Asia.

Born into a musical family, Liu began studying violin with his mother at age three, demonstrating early talent by winning an honorary award at the Chang Sha Violin Competition at age four. At age 11, he transitioned to double bass, studying under his father, Zhen An Yang.

Liu completed his B.A. at Beijing’s Central Conservatory, studying with Da Fu and Jun Xia Huo. He then earned a Double Bass Artist Certificate from the University of North Texas under Jeff Bradetich. His academic journey continued with an M.M. from San Francisco Conservatory, where he studied with Scott Pingel. Liu further advanced his studies at Rice University and also served as a member of the Houston Ballet Orchestra.

We explore TianYang’s musical path, the lessons learned throughout his journey, his thoughts on the evolution of double bass as a solo instrument, and much more. Enjoy, and discover TianYang’s playing in this excellent Minnesota Public Radio feature on him.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

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!

1081: Bruce Gertz on sight reading

Bruce Gertz is a jazz bassist, composer, and educator who has taught at the Berklee College of Music for nearly half a century. In addition to his numerous awards and recordings, Bruce developed musicsightreader.com, an Apple Books publication designed to develop sightreading skills through duets, trios, and quartets.

We explore Bruce’s daily creativity habits, Berklee’s evolution over the decades, the unique challenges of teaching sightreading, and much more.

Enjoy, and be sure to check out Bruce’s website,  musicsightreader.com, and his great YouTube conversation with Claus Freudenstein!

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

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsor!

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!