Profile: University of Maryland bass faculty
The University of Maryland has really become a compelling institution for double bass study in recent years, and having bass teachers Richard Barber (National Symphony Orchestra member) and Anthony Manzo (former Phoenix Symphony and current member of New Century Chamber Orchestra) join Robert Oppelt (Principal Bass of the National Symphony) and Tom Baldwin has made this school an even more compelling choice for the aspiring double bass student.
One of my best friends recently graduated with a DMA in cello performance from Maryland, and he had a really wonderful experience at this school. The proximity to Washington, D.C. and all the cultural and musical opportunities that this affords makes this school one worth serious consideration in my opinion.
Folks who’ve followed along with this blog for the last several years may remember many posts referencing University of Maryland bass teacher Robert Oppelt’s excellent website, and I strongly encourage you to check it out if you haven’t before. His most recent addition is an excellent profile of the four bass faculty members at Maryland, but he has many other articles and features warranting perusal, including interviews with bassists like Ali Yazdanfar (Principal Bass of the Montreal Symphony and a former member of the National Symphony), the use of flat hair versus tilted hair, and many other interesting bass-related topics.
Be sure to check out more info about this great bass studio!
28 August 2009, 2:55 pm
I have the pleasure of working with most of these gentlemen… Fine teachers and players all!