Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1074: 2024 in review and looking ahead to 2025

We take a look back at 2024 and discuss plans for 2025 in today’s episode.

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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.

1073: Sidney King on his multifaceted career

In this episode, acclaimed double bassist, composer, and arranger Sidney King discusses his busy fall filled with outreach events, master classes, and student recitals at the University of Louisville. 

Sidney highlights his collaborations, notably with flamenco guitarist Gareth Jones, and shares insights into his compositions for orchestras, educational groups, and church services. 

He emphasizes the importance of community and education in his work and the success he’s found in making his compositions accessible through his new website.

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.

1072: Joyful Connections – The Power of Music with Roberto Cassani

In this episode, Roberto Cassani shares his journey into the world of improvised music and his latest project Music for the purpose of Joy, which provides group music sessions to children, young people and adults based on his improvisational approach. 

Initially focused on mastering his instrument and securing gigs, Roberto discovered a profound sense of joy and connection through improvisation. He discusses his academic research into the emotional and social benefits of music improvisation, highlighting the positive impacts on community building and personal interaction. 

Roberto also details his methods for engaging different groups, from children to university students, in creative music-making sessions. Additionally, he talks about his recent musical projects and the importance of fostering joy and connection through music.

Enjoy, and check out Roberto’s past podcast appearances here.

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.

1071: Tim Cobb on the path to becoming New York Philharmonic Principal Bassist

In this episode, New York Philharmonic principal bassist Tim Cobb discusses his journey from growing up in Albany with a musically gifted family to his renowned career in the New York Philharmonic. Tim shares anecdotes about his father’s influence, his early experiences in Albany’s vibrant music scene, and his tenure at the Metropolitan Opera.

He reflects on his time studying with Roger Scott at Curtis, his involvement with the Marlboro Music Festival, and the transition from the Met Orchestra to the Philharmonic.

Tim also delves into his teaching philosophy, the importance of enthusiasm and work ethic in students, and the evolving world of double bass craftsmanship. 

Enjoy, and check out the video version here.

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

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsor!

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.

1070: The Story Behind ‘Lost Beauty’ – Szymon Marciniak on Recording, Repertoire, and Gut Strings

In this episode, I chat with Szymon Marciniak about his newly released album ‘Lost Beauty: Music for Double-Bass by František Hertl and Contemporaries.’ Szymon shares the recording process, the repertoire’s significance, and his experience using gut strings.

We discuss the challenges and inspirations behind the project, including the role of early 20th-century performance practices. The episode delves into the technical and emotional aspects of music-making and sheds light on how historical sound aesthetics shaped the album.

Check out this great new release from Szymon and Jongsuk Kim on the Solaire Records website, Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music!

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

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsor!

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.