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BA Jazz Degree - Sep 2010 - Jul 2013 - Middlesex University, London - 2:1 with Honours
SEABOURN CRUISE LINES •Seaborun Odyssey Showband - April 10th 2018 – July 28th 2018 NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES •Norwegian Sun Showband - May 15th 2017 – Jun 5th 2017 •Norwegian Breakaway Showband - Oct 12th 2016 – Nov 27th 2016 CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES •Carnival Magic Showband - January 9th 2014 - April 4th 2014 •Carnival Splendor Showband - April 5th 2014 – June 9th 2014
Hello there. I'm a native of Manchester, England now living/working/teaching in Harlem, NYC. I am a professional working bassist who thrives on sharing my knowledge of my craft with others who wish to learn. I have been teaching bass for 13 years and playing for 18. I also teach beginner/intermediate guitar. I have had gigging experience both on land and sea, having played in the showband on Norwegian/Carnival/Seabourn Cruise Lines. I have also played in some off Broadway productions and regularly continue to perform with various ensembles around the City and Tri-State area.
I started teaching bass 11 years ago to fellow students (music/non music students) at South Cheshire College in the North West of England. When I began my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Jazz at Middlesex University (London), I continued to teach privately. I also have experience teaching ensembles. I taught a rhythmic awareness class for 6+ people over a summer at Middlesex University. When I moved to the US I resumed my private teaching classes. I have taught in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee and New York, New York.
I have a strong grasp of music theory and specialize in Jazz. I believe ear development to be the most important skill in music as the ear is what we use to enjoy music after all! However I am a confident reader and will gladly help my students to develop their reading skills. I am proficient in a wide variety of styles such as Jazz, Funk, Latin, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop, Blues etc. So just about anything you'll want to learn, whether you're an absolute beginner or a professional looking to add another string to their bow, whatever age or skill level. I will be able to help you.
My teaching style can be shaped around what the student is looking to learn. I do stress in my lessons the importance of consistency of practice. 15 mins everyday is much more rewarding than 3 hours in one day. I like to write out everything that I explain in my classes to my students so that they have a reference of what they are learning. Also, I am a strong believer of singing the notes that the student is playing, especially in scale studies. This helps the student connect the sound to the instrument and quickens the learning process. I also urge my students to ask questions until things make sense.
Patient, kind, and receptive to your needs, Jack is a wonderful instructor who'll help you develop and flourish as a musician. As someone who already has previous experience (piano) but is completely new to the bass, Jack effortlessly adjusted our lessons to cater to what I required, focusing on method rather than music theory. He never rushes, and is always happy to clarify anything I might find confusing. He's extremely knowledgeable, and the reason why I chose him as my instructor is because before responding, he listens mindfully to your concerns. I highly recommend this excellent instructor for his versatility and natural teaching abilities!
Jack has an amazing sense for music and an easygoing style that makes him a fantastic instructor. I've had about a dozen lessons from him so far and keep going back for more as it has been incredibly helpful to my progress. I'm always able to show Jack what I'm working on, and he always succeeds in giving me exactly the feedback I need to get better. I've learned a ton about what musical ideas I can use and when they are appropriate. Also his ear is so good that he can quickly transcribe just about anything. It is pretty common for me to be working from a tab (often a professionally produced tab) and for Jack to immediately help me get past a mistake in the tab. He is also very good at helping me to not use a tab, but just listen to the song and figure out what bass line works. I enjoy every lesson.