What makes you think you can teach me, Dave?

Expert Guidance: With over 15 years of experience playing live, I've performed in a diverse array of settings. From pit orchestras to professional function bands, and even sailing the seas as a bassist on cruise ships for three years. Additionally, I'm no stranger to session work, having contributed bass to various recordings, including the unexpected opportunity to work on the Teletubbies' 2021 album, 'Ready, Steady, Go!' (yes, really!). All that to say – if there's a song you want to learn, chances are I've had to play it already! I've been offering tailored one-to-one bass lessons for over a decade, and have taken the role of section tutor and band leader in wider group settings.

Comprehensive Curriculum: My lessons cover the entire spectrum of your bass playing journey – from the fundamentals of bass, to more advanced and specialised techniques. Thanks to my many years as a gigging, professional bass player, I have a large base of knowledge and experience to draw from.

Tailored Learning Materials: Worksheets, cheatsheets, sheet music and tabs are all custom created to cover what we speak about in our lessons. I can transcribe that song you've been wanting to learn, tab out particular bass riffs and fills, or even provide a custom backing track to help you work on the topics from the last lesson!

Flexible Scheduling and Communication: With online bass lessons, the only limitations are when you're available! I also operate on a 'no stupid questions' policy – if you have any problems, questions or queries between bass lessons, you can just message me! I'm always happy to help out or clarify when it comes to techniques or theory, and often can provide more learning materials (free of charge) or point you in the direction of some really useful content.

Ok, but what do you actually do?

Aside from getting really, really hyped about playing bass, you mean? Read on!

Bass Guitar Lessons: What we cover in our lessons is up to you. Before we start the sessions proper we'll have a free consultation call – this is so we get to meet, talk about what you like to listen to, what you like to play, and where you want to be with your bass playing. We can work on your technique, expand your musical language, focus on the traits of a particular style or genre – or, if you prefer, I can just show you how to play that song you really like.

Also – along with a free consultation call, the first bass lesson is half price!

Beginner Bass Lessons: The fundamentals are important. I can get you up and running and ready to jam with your friends in very little time. I cover fingerpicking and picked bass (I would recommend both!), healthy left-hand/fretting technique, and basic/commonly-used scale shapes. We would also start looking at how to write your own simple bass parts, applying just the tiniest bit of music theory.

Advanced Bass Techniques: If you've been playing for a while, chances are you'd be looking to branch out. We can work on slap bass, bass chords, bass harmonics – but if you're simply just wanting to get faster and cleaner, we can absolutely work on that also. There's value to being a flexible and diverse musician, and more tools in the arsenal is only ever positive.

Music Theory for Bassists: Before you roll your eyes – while music theory is extremely useful, it doesn't have to be the be-all and end-all! Playing is best done by ear first, but theory is the tool we use to work out what the hell we've just played. I can cover all aspects of music theory, but in this setting we would take the pragmatic approach of 'how does this help me craft the perfect bass part?' We can look at how to work out and transcribe parts by ear, what we can play under certain chords, what scales we use for what sounds. We'll also look at using theory to dissect certain artists and genres, in order to replicate their musical language.

Performance Preparation: You've had a few lessons, you're getting the hang of this bass guitar stuff, now what? Time to get playing with some mates. I've got a fair few gigs under my belt, I've played with musicians of all styles and from many walks of life, and played venues from tiny dive bars and rock clubs to cruise ships, concert halls and cathedrals. I have a wealth of live playing and collaborative music work experience that I can pass on to you, as you prepare to get out gigging or writing with a band. Performance tips, stage presence advice, effective communication with bandmates, even logistical concerns about gear and tech – I got you.

Alright then, let's give it a go.

Excellent news! You'll be grooving in no time. All you need to do is get in touch – either via any of the contact methods listed below, via social media, or by filling the form in here.

It's important to make sure that my approach is suited to you. You'll be happy to know all new students get a free consultation call – just so we can get an idea of what you need – and the first bass lesson is half price!

Serving Leicestershire Towns

My bass lessons are available throughout Leicester and Leicestershire, including but not limited to:

• Leicester

• Loughborough

• Hinckley

• Melton Mowbray

• Coalville

• Market Harborough

• Wigston

• Lutterworth

• Oadby

• Syston

• Ashby-de-la-Zouch