Ashley J. music, electric bass guitar Los Angeles, CA

Learn the techniques and skills needed to become the bassist you want to be, personaly and professionaly.  Studying music for sixteen of my twenty-three years I have been exsposed to many different approaches to teaching and learning music.

I began studying music at the age of seven. Learning to play the piano, trumpet, trombone, tuba by the age of thirteen. At the age of fourteen I began studying the bass and immdiately feel in love. After studying music through out highschool I attended Hampton University majoring in musical education. After two years of study I decided to leave Hampton and attend the Musicians Institue in Los Angeles, California. While attending school in Los Angeles I was regarded as one of the top students in my class and graduated with a 4.0 average.

While in school and since graduating I have worked with many up and coming artists in LA. I also teach several bass players all ranging in age and ability. Also I am currnetly in the process of writing an instructional book for bassists covering a wide range of styles and techniques.

I have studied with many top level players and use the knowledge that I recieved  from them as well as my own personal experience to give the student an all encompasing learning experience. Also through studing with musicians from all backgrounds I have learned that all students learn differently. This is why I feel it is very important to develop a friendship and trust with my students to ensure that my students are learning in the style that best suites them.

My teaching style is very laid back. I understand that not all students learn at the same pace and I try to personalize each lesson according to the student. I have found that the best results are made when the student feels comfortable with the work.

I use a cirriculum based primarily on the books and classes that I studied while attending the Musicians Institute. I also have students learn to play songs that they like. Not songs that are standard begginer material but songs that they enjoy listening to and want to learn. I have found that this keeps the student interested in the instrument and helps them to find joy in playing. I teach all my students to read music as well as music theory. I feel that it is essential to know the academics of music in order to communicate with other musicians easily. I also focus on technique and the proper most effective ways to get the sound and tone that the student desires.

After three months my students will have learned at least 6 songs that they have chosen. They will also have learned the proper technique for playing the bass i.e. hand placment for the left as well as different picking techniques. The student will also have been exposed to several different styles of music and will be taught the purpose role of the bass each. After six months the student will have been exposed to a very wide array of styles and techniques as well as have a understanding of basic music theory. By this point the student will be begining to become comfortable with reading music.

Most importantly my teaching style is geared to the individual students needs and abilities. I feel that all students are different and that the lessons that I give should reflect that students individual needs

I specialize in reading and theory as well as playing funk, r&b, hip-hop,fusion, jazz, Latin, blues and rock.

Musician's Institure - musical performance - 2005-2007
hampton university - music education - 2003-2005
phoebus high school - gen ed - 1999-2003

music, electric bass guitar