Allen Y  
Instruments: Double Bass
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Country, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Showtunes, Swing

As a performer, I have gained considerable experience in orchestral, jazz, and popular styles of music, having worked not only as an orchestral player, but as a jazz and pop bassist. I am also familiar with the Electric Bass Guitar, having played this instrument in a variety of different settings. As a concert Bassist, my experience with the Symphony Orchestra provides a platform from which my students can derive an insight into performance techniques, professional behaviors and real-life situations. My method of teaching is to evaluate a student's level of technique, discuss the student's goals and areas of interest, and, in partnership with the student, develop a road map to establish realistic goals and practice schedules, and continue developing the students musicality and aesthetic awareness. Additionally, since the Double Bass is an ungainly instrument subject to physical abuse and fluctuations in the weather, I incorporate the mechanical aspects of bass playing - string type, action, bridges, fingerboards and setups - as part of a holistic approach to playing. Although my initial emphasis is on the traditional Simandl approach to position playing, once the student has gained an appropriate level of technique, we will focus on the student's stylistic goals and musicianship. I encourage the student to bring other materials to the lesson, for example a school based music assignment or ensemble part or recording or any piece of music that the student wishes to learn. My goal as a teacher is to maximize a students potential, practice intelligently, and explore the utter joy of bass playing together.

As a teacher, I structure made-to-measure lessons plans and progress metrics based on the students age, experience, interest level and other commitments like school, job, family and sports. No one approach to teaching can address the unique talents each student brings to the lesson; I strive to create a balance between progress, talent, goals and commitment to the student experience. In terms of methodology, it is important to learn or to increase the usability of the "bow," as it helps develop the musical ear and is the basis of the Simandl method of positional double bass technique. Using that method, the student will learn not only the lower positions most commonly employed in playing, but also gain an approach to solo and advanced playing styles that utilize the thumb position. I also encourage students to transcribe and gain familiarity with musical notation so as to become a well rounded musician, not simply an awesome bassist. Additionally, I encourage students to take in musical events like concerts, club dates, virtuoso players and recordings.