Teaching testimonials

  • “Ian’s lessons are fantastic"

    “Ian’s lesson are fantastic they really helped me improve as a bass player and musician. I never would’ve considered learning to sightread as part of my progress but Ian’s supportive structured way made something that seemed so daunting easy to approach. If you want to improve no matter what level Ian is your man”

    (Ben S – electric bass student).

  • "A lovely balance of encouragement and challenge".

    “Ian has done a wonderful job of opening my eyes to the world of jazz improvisation and beyond. His teaching has a lovely balance of encouragement and challenge. I’m taking great strides but at my own pace”

    (Graham A – double bass student).

  • “I cannot recommend Ian too strongly.

    “I cannot recommend Ian too strongly. He focused on getting me playing real jazz as quickly as possible. While laying down a fundamental bedrock of technique, he’s kept me challenged and always feeling that I’m progressing on to the next level. An awesome achievement”

    (Richard B – double bass student).

Learning to suit you

As an educator I am both fully qualified (BMus Hons music degree (1st class), Cert.Ed teaching qualification), fully DBS checked and have twenty years experience with teaching privately / fifteen years lecturing at degree level. I am very happy to work through grades (Rock School or RGT) or work with you on whatever areas you feel need attention. Previous students have gone on to attend Berklee College of Music, Trinity College London, Leeds College of Music, Newcastle University, Liverpool University and various other university honours degrees.

Lessons at distance via Skype / Zoom are also available.

Learning tailored to your specific needs

  • Technique

    Effective techniques enables you to perform any type of music you want to. It’s the bedrock from which everything else is built. I can help you to develop and improve your technique and introduce you to a range of playing approaches that will broaden your ability to make music on the bass.

  • Notation reading

    The ability to read notation is increasingly part of a versatile bass players skill set. I can break this down into easy to achieve tasks that will have you effectively reading in next to no time. The ability to read notation will have a dramatic impact on all aspects of your playing, even those that don’t involve reading music.

  • Stylistic studies

    Want to know what distingusihes funk from jazz? Why certain bass lines work in some contexts and not others? How do jazz players get away with playing so many ‘wrong’ notes? We can take a deep dive into any genre you’re interested in - analysing and learning repertoire, considering relevant music theory, instrument sound choice and much more.