Double Bass affordable classical teacher in nyc

[brianh]

I'm an experienced professional jazz player and I have studied classical bass at a fairly high level in college. However, recently I've realized how much I'm lacking in fundamentals and I want to spend some time formally learning some basic concepts. I'm thinking, why don't I sound great playing through Simandl and when will I stop making these horrible noises? I can play Bach suites...but the basics are lacking.

I need to find a good teacher in NYC who will be a good match for me and not be too expensive. I can't pay for $100 lessons on my NYC gig income! Also, it'd be cool to find someone in Manhattan, ideally on the west side so that my commute isn't too bad...

Any recomendations?

 

[David Kaczorowski]

If you got formal training "at a fairly high level" in college, how can you feel like you're lacking fundamentals now?

 

[brianh]

...I'm a jazz player and I came to use the bow only in college. I think I took it pretty far, but I feel like maybe I didn't spend enough time working on basic stuff, especially in the low register of the bass. I think it's a common problem for bass students these days...too much time spent working on solo rep and "advanced" technique and not enough time learning to play the bass in in a "functional" context...

It's not like I'm paranoid, it's just that I'm starting to do some orchestra gigs and subbing some shows and I want to be more solid.

 

[sibass89]

Try contacting Judy Sugarman (teaches at Mannes Pre-College) or Joe Bongiorno (New York Opera and NYU). You can contact either of them through the schools they teach at. Both are great players and good teachers without unreasonable prices.

 

[Phil Rowan]

Kurt Muroki is pretty great too..

 

[David Kaczorowski]

I'm not trying to sound like a d!ck, but that sounds like more of a problem with the college or teacher rather than college students.

I used to play a lot of shows and stuff. What do you think you need to be more solid with? One of the things my main teacher taught me was how to solve problems and develop on my own. If yo ucan tell me what you think the problem is, I might be able to suggest some solutions.

 

[brianh]

I'm not trying to sound like a d!ck, but that sounds like more of a problem with the college or teacher rather than college students.

I used to play a lot of shows and stuff. What do you think you need to be more solid with? One of the things my main teacher taught me was how to solve problems and develop on my own. If yo ucan tell me what you think the problem is, I might be able to suggest some solutions.

Actually, I just wanted someone to recomend a good, affordable classical bass teacher in NYC...

 

[Contrabates]

Tony Falanga is the guy. He is the best teacher I've ever had and I can't recommend him enough. He plays with the Orchestra of St. Lukes and in Ornette Coleman's quartet/quintet. PM me if interested and I'll give you his contact info.

 

[Robert Sabin]

Mark Helias is one of the most articulate and inspirational teachers for classical playing I've ever seen, especially for me coming from a jazz background. I was feeling like you, needing a schooling in the fundamentals, and he doesn't mess around. Serious player, great guy.