Learn With Me
I love sharing my experiences in bass playing and music, and I especially love helping others find their own voice. For the last 15 years I have been teaching private lessons on upright and electric bass, and have also presented clinics/workshops/masterclasses at Berklee College of Music, Shasta Music Summit, RockyGrass Academy, Falling Waters Music Camp, Yukon Acoustic Music Workshop, Stringendo Summer Strings, and others.
Calling on inspiration from some of my former teachers (Edgar Meyer & Hal Robinson at the Curtis Institute of Music; Nicholas Walker & Shawn Conley at Ithaca College) and years spent on the road and in the studio collaborating with a wide range of musical artists (Sierra Hull, The Milk Carton Kids, Darol Anger, Aoife O'Donovan, Mark O'Connor, etc.), I've developed a style of instruction that is suitable for all ages, experience levels, and for many styles of music, for those who are looking to grow as a bass player, musician, and human being. My ultimate goal is to help you discover who you are as an artist.
I currently offer remote private instruction (Skype, Facetime, Zoom, etc.), and, on a limited basis, in-person lessons in Nashville, TN. For more information, pricing, and availability:
Want to know more? Keep reading below:
In my experience, private lessons work best when the student is self-directed, and comes prepared with goals and ideas they want to pursue. Rather than give you a curriculum that I’VE decided, I want to help you with what YOU are excited to learn about.
That said, here are some examples of the many topics that I love to delve into:
Creating interesting bass-lines that serve the music
The physical aspects of bass playing: how to use your body efficiently and ergonomically for pain-free, sustainable playing
Left-hand technique: making the fingerboard feel like a less mysterious place by shifting and pivoting with ease, keeping a small hand, removing unnecessary movements and tension, being aware of non-playing-fingers, and more
Pizz technique: tone production, percussive playing, speed/agility, etc.
How to selflessly harness the power that comes with being the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of an ensemble
Bow technique: everything from the basic mechanics of making beautiful legato tone to oldtime fiddle patterns, classical/baroque styles, chopping, etc.
Improvisation: freeing up your mind, body, and ideas, playing over changes, playing free, playing composed music improvisationally, etc.
Supporting singers
Finding your voice/role in a band
Bach, fiddle tunes, jazz, orchestral excerpts, classic solo repertoire, etc.
Music/harmonic theory, chart-writing, ear-training
What students are saying:
“I’ve worked with Ethan on many different occasions over the last several years, and... I can easily say that Ethan’s teaching has had a profound impact on my bass playing and musicianship. Ethan consistently goes out of his way to foster my musical growth... is one of those teachers who lead by example. In a particularly formative lesson, we discussed what it means to be a generous musician; this was while he was fitting what ended up being a two hour lesson into his schedule late in the evening after an already full day. His teaching style is direct, but kind-spirited and energetic. He’s willing to dive into both the intangible aspects of being a musician as well as the fine details of technique. He is respectful as a teacher, but isn’t hesitant to push a student when he thinks that they can break into new territory. Additionally, Ethan is an inspiring performer, whose musical output can serve as a guidepost for his students. It’s quite rare to find a musician who is both at a staggeringly high musical level and willing to take the time to share their knowledge — Ethan is that musician.”
“Ethan is a great bass mentor. In addition to providing foundational technique for bowing and pizz playing, he also has helped me to think outside the box and to really problem solve when working on any musical challenges. Grateful to have the opportunity to study with him.”
“I have studied with Ethan regularly via Skype for over a year and he has been an inspiring mentor. He is a brilliant performer who understands the technical and creative process and he can communicate that clearly. As a teacher, he is an active listener and zeros in on specific ways to improve. Ethan’s lessons are positive and always welcoming. His gift for teaching enables learning at many levels. He has a great sense of style and enthusiasm leading to pathways for achieving your ideas. I can confidently say that Ethan will guide any student toward their musical goals. ”