Teacher in Ontario?

[Zerofox Kitsune]

I wasn't really sure where to put this thread, so mods, please move it if need be. Thanks.

I called two conservatories, one in Brantford and one in Cambridge. The number for the Brantford one was apparently out of service (I called a few times on different days) and the Cambridge one does not teach double bass.

Are there any teachers in the Cambridge/Brantford/Kitchener/Waterloo/surrounding areas?

I'd like to learn both arco and pizz techniques, and would like to play jazz, classical, or both.

I should probably mention I don't own my own double bass; only bass guitar. Renting one shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks in advance,
-Zerofox Kitsune

[78bass]

Talk with Henry from Reidstra's Violin Shop. He teaches as well as runs the shop. Great guy.
He has two locations: Kitchener and Stratford. If he is not what you need in a teacher he will point you to someone who will.
I think he plays with the Kitchener Symphony.
Good luck.

[Zerofox Kitsune]

Thank you, 78bass and bejoyous.

[bejoyous]

Call the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony ((519) 745-4711) and ask for the number of Ian Whitman (Principal) or George Greer (Assist. Princ.). I know George teaches a lot at the university there. Not sure if Ian does.

[Dr Rod]

Toronto is a bit further than you probably wish, but I am here and have extensive college teaching experience.

My teaching studio has free parking, so no need to do acrobatics with the bass in downtown Toronto.

I am former member of the Erfurt Opera in Germany and former principal bass of the Detmold Chamber Orchestra in Germany, amongst other engagements.

[bejoyous]

Brian Baty, P. bass of Niagara Symphony and frequent sub in the Toronto Symphony also lives in Kitchener.

[Zerofox Kitsune]

Do you know where I might find information to contact this person? I've called some places with no replies yet, so I'm still looking for options.

Thanks.

[the tree volta]

I'm taking lessons from this guy, www.torontobassteacher.com
he's close to downtown, just off the DVP. easy to get to. I'm just a new player but he's cool and helpful.

[Zerofox Kitsune]

I've gotta thank you guys for helpin' me out.

Little did I know however, my mom was also helping me look for a teacher.

So, it turns out there's a guy who lives five minutes away from my house that teaches, and I had my first lesson today.

He's really cool from what I can tell. He's knowledgeable in many stringed instruments, and owns a few guitars, banjos, mandolins, a violin, and now his own double bass. He apparently has another student interested in upright bass, and because my twin and I are studying bass from him, he said "it's an excuse to buy me a double bass." He has played and owned basses (both bass guitar and double bass) but has sold them throughout the years.

Today we just assessed where we were (I play bass guitar at school, so I already know some theory) and he taught us a walking bass line for us to practice. It's really fun.

But best of all, he's going to take us up to Riedstra's on Friday to get our very first double bass. He's also going to let us try out both styles of bow as well. I can't wait!