Courses

Principal instrument study level 2 bass.

Principal instrument study level 3 bass.

Principal instrument study level 4 bass.

Principal instrument study level 5 bass.

Principal instrument study level 6 bass.

Principal instrument study level 7 bass.

Principal instrument study level 8 bass.

Private instruction is part of the performance core for all Berklee students. Through private instruction, students develop proficiency on their principal instrument, synthesize and integrate knowledge of contemporary and traditional styles into musical interpretation, and synthesize and integrate knowledge of posture and instrumental technique into their daily practice routines. All Berklee students take private instruction levels one through four on their principal instruments. Performance majors continue on to do levels five through eight. 

The Bass Department at Berklee is committed to the primary role of the bass as being the mortar that locks rhythm to harmony and melody. However, students will also explore the development of the bass as a multi-timbral polyphonic instrument, capable of performing all musical functions including rhythm, harmony, and melody.

• PIBS-111: Private Instruction 1 – Bass 
• PIBS-112: Private Instruction 2 – Bass
• PIBS-211: Private Instruction 3 – Bass
• PIBS-212: Private Instruction 4 – Bass
• PIBS-311: Private Instruction 5 – Bass
• PIBS-312: Private Instruction 6 – Bass
• PIBS-411: Private Instruction 7 – Bass
• PIBS-412: Private Instruction 8 – Bass

This course focuses on practical fundamental improvisational concepts on the bass and their application within various standard repertoire. This is a thorough all-inclusive approach that explores; application of scales, modes, guide-tones, arpeggios, and passing tones; bass line constructions and functions within various styles and contexts; rhythmic strength and time-feel, various tempos/styles; methods and importance of learning repertoire and internationalization of forms and melodies; creating melodies/soloing; historical context; technical maintenance on the bass and sustainability; listening, transcription, and analysis; and practical real-world applications of tools discussed in class.

Students will transcribe and perform solos and lines of major bass players in jazz. Projects chosen to reflect many different styles found throughout the history of jazz. Emphasis on major innovators including Pops Foster, Walter Page, Slam Stewart, Jimmy Blanton, Charles Mingus, Oscar Pettiford, Paul Chambers, and Scott LaFaro.