1119: Orchestral Insights with Andy Anderson

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Anderson, the newly appointed Clinical Assistant Professor of Double Bass at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With over two decades of experience performing with some of Chicago’s most prestigious ensembles, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his teaching role.

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

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Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like 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.

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1118: Gaelen McCormick on Simandl’s 30 Etudes

In this episode, renowned bassist and educator Gaelen McCormick joins us to discuss her newly released annotated edition of Franz Simandl’s 30 Etudes, published by Carl Fischer. For over a century, these etudes have been a cornerstone of double bass pedagogy. Gaelen’s fresh annotations bring new insights and perspectives to this essential collection.

Check out Gaelen’s past podcast appearances here and pick up a copy of her new Simandl edition here.

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1117: Darren Sacks on teaching double bass

In this episode, we chat with Darren Sacks, a double bass audition coach, UMass Boston Associate Lecturer, and Greater Boston freelance bassist, to discuss winning strategies for double bass auditions.

Darren shares insights from his 9 years of coaching experience, during which he’s helped students gain acceptance into major youth orchestras like the Boston Youth Symphony (BYSO) and NEC Prep, summer festivals including Interlochen and BUTI Tanglewood, and undergraduate programs such as Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music.

Enjoy, and you can connect with Darren on his website.

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1116: Rodney Slatford on publishing

In this episode, Jason Heath interviews Rodney Slatford. Rodney is joined by his friend Mike Coombs, who helped facilitate this conversation. Together, they explore Rodney’s remarkable career as a performer, educator, publisher, and advocate for the double bass.

As founding Chairman of the Yorke Trust, Rodney Slatford has established himself as a renowned double bass player and teacher. His career includes over 1000 performances worldwide, 30 years with the Nash Ensemble of London, 10 years as co-principal bassist with the English Chamber Orchestra, and recording one of the first solo bass discs with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. In 1978, he founded the Isle of Man International Double Bass Competition and Workshop. Rodney served as Head of the School of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (1984-2001) before retiring to Norfolk to focus on the Yorke Trust and personal interests.

Learn more about Rodney and the great work he is doing with the Yorke Trust here.

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1115: Tim Rinehart on audition breakthroughs

Tim Rinehart is the Principal Double Bassist of the Oregon Symphony. A graduate of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, Tim studied with Paul Ellison while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He is the winner of the 2025 International Society of Bassists Orchestral Division Competition and has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras including the Boston Symphony, London Symphony, and Houston Symphony.

Tim shares his journey through multiple auditions in a single season, revealing the breakthrough preparation strategies that led to winning his current. He discusses mental performance techniques, systematic practice methods, committee expectations, his education with Paul Ellison at Rice University, and his new role with the Oregon Symphony.

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Theme music by Eric Hochberg