Any teacher recomendations for New York City?

bassdivo · #1 11-16-2003, 02:58 PM

I am a bassist in New York City attending the jazz program at New School University. The program allows you to take lessons with any teacher in the New York area. I'm a fairly advanced player but I want to really have someone who can help my technique. Electric bass experience would be nice too. Tell me who are the taskmasters in NYC

Sam Sherry · #2 11-17-2003, 06:58 AM

Donosaur and I have each had extremely positive experiences studying with Michael Moore. He's a gracious person. He has a thoroughly-considered teaching method. He's a true virtuoso and a deep musician.

Michael is sometimes slagged by the downtowners as a "conservative" player because many of his high-profile gigs are straightahead. Don't let them fool you: Listen to the music. Michael is a risk-taking jazz artist and an agressive backer (that's a compliment in my book) who uses standards as his platform.

Whoever you choose, have fun!

Joe Nerve · #3 11-17-2003, 07:10 AM

Pat Pfeiffer 212-831-8146 - at least that was his number several years ago. he's expensive but has a great reputation and i think he's one of the best. I was only able to afford a couple of lessons with him, but I got a lot out of them. I also interviewed a lot of teachers and he seemed to be the only one that really got through to me. Great guy too.

Paul Warburton · #4 11-17-2003, 07:13 AM

Michael Moore

I second that!! Michaels'a gem and an added feature he's a good pianist, which really can make it more like a hang or a session, instead of a formal lesson. I haven't studied with him, but thanks to one of our most popular posters here at TBDB, i've heard tapes of lessons with him and it was pure fun!!

Don Higdon · #5 11-17-2003, 07:15 AM

Michael is very hard to reach since he signed on with Brubeck.
Harvie S plays electric as well as DB, and is a top-tier bassist. You can track him down through Manhattan School of Music.
Ed Fuqua always swore by Joe Solomon.

abaguer · #6 11-19-2003, 02:29 AM

I second Harvie S. Terrific, serious teacher not interested in gladhanding you. If you want to improve, he's great.

Alexi David · #7 11-19-2003, 04:01 AM

I third Harvie - I played bass in a an ensemble at Manhattan School of Music (they were short a bass player so I got the call). Wonderful guy, easy-going AND serious 'bout the music.

You could try Eugene Levinson, who is the principal bassist in the New York Philharmonic. Maybe a bit tough to book him, but surely well worth it. Don't be turned off by Classical players - they'll get your technique up to insane levels.

Also, there's a guy called Omer Avital who in my book is the most innovative upright player to emerge in the last 20 years. He plays the upright in a very "guitaristic" style and swings hard too. He used to be a regular at Smalls' - you could find him through Mitch Borden, the owner at Fat Cat. I don't even know if he gives lessons, but he's a fantastic player. He has a CD out "Think With Your Heart", check it out if you haven't.

Also, check out the Musician's Union and places like that - there are a lot of very famous players that are semi-retired or poor that would love the chance to teach you and make some bread. You'll be surprised who you could find in the city ( though I can't remember specifically now).

Good luck in your search. I might see you at the New School in a year or two! I wanna do some more formal training.