Liberty University

David Feldman, bass faculty

General Statistics

  • In-State Tuition & Fees 2016-17: $23,020
  • Room & Board 2016-17: $9,306
  • Total Enrollment: 80,094 total (49,863 undergrads)
  • Acceptance Rate (from 2015): 21%
  • 4 year graduation rate: 33%
  • % of undergrads receiving Financial aid: 84%
  • Average Financial Aid: $10,618

Double Bass Statistics

  • Average number of undergraduate bass students: 4
  • Studio Class, Chamber music, innovative music ensembles, baroque ensemble, symphony orchestra, jazz band

Perspectives from Students and Alumni

Q: What are some favorite memories about studying at this school?

A: I attended a friend’s junior recital and after he finished the printed program, he gave thanks to God, his family, his friends, and his professors for believing in him and pushing him to become the musician he is now and he surprised us with his favorite hymn at the end. It was both moving and humbling because he gave an excellent performance and never forgot where he came from or who gave him his success. Another favorite memory was playing in the Liberty Symphony Orchestra for the first time. It was the first time I had the opportunity to play in such a full, talented ensemble outside of weekend-long honor festivals. It has been a privilege to see the symphony grow in musical ability and community and to grow along with my peers.

Q: How did this school help prepare you for your future endeavors?

A: All of my professors stress critical thinking in practice and in musical performances. They are teaching me to teach myself so that when I am finished with school I can continue to learn and grow as a musician and as a Champion for Christ. I often have conversations with my professor during private lessons about my faith or how music displays the order and love of God. My professors are teaching me how to become a great musician, how to lead, and how to strengthen my faith every day. My peers are pushing me to do my best and encouraging me when I need it, and I am there for them in the same way.

Q: What advice would you offer others thinking about studying at this school?

A: The music program is growing every year and Liberty has been blessed with incredible faculty, beautiful new facilities, and a strong faith community among students and faculty alike. Liberty is a place to learn how to become a balanced person of faith who praises God through music.

Emily R

Perspectives from the Bass Faculty

Q: What are some of your favorite experiences teaching at your school?

A: I enjoy teaching at the Liberty University School of Music for many reasons. It is exhilarating to see the diversity of style and talent that each incoming class brings, and to help these students expand into more complete musicians by the time they leave. Classically-trained freshman practice improvisation in their theory courses, and students who acquired their skill by ear learn to sightread a musical score in the same class. In the private lesson setting, mentoring is not limited to the acquisition of musical skill, but aims foster physical, emotional, and spiritual growth in every student. The size and focus of the LU School of Music brings national and international guest artists for concerts, masterclasses, and intensives.

As a school that embraces many music genres, we offer private lesson curricula tailored to each bass student’s declared area of study, such as string performance, commercial music (including jazz studies), or worship.

About the Bass Faculty

Cellist David Feldman performs frequently as a soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. He has been a member of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra since 2008. Mr. Feldman has been a concerto soloist with the Boise State University Orchestra, the New River Valley Symphony, and the Shenandoah Conservatory Orchestra. He is an alumnus of the Castleman Quartet Program and the festivals of Bowdoin and Chautauqua, studying under Peter Rejto, David Ying and Steven Doane. Along with regular studio session work, his pop music ventures include concerts with D.J. Spooky, Manchester Orchestra, Everclear, Liza Minnelli, Art Garfunkel, and the Trans Siberian Orchestra, where he was a featured soloist in 2011. In 2013, Mr. Feldman became one of the first resident artists at Carilion Clinic through the Dr. Robert L. A. Keeley Healing Arts Program. He holds multiple performance degrees, studying under Alan Weinstein and Brian Hodges, for whom he was a teaching assistant.

Bass News Right To Your Inbox!

Subscribe to get our weekly newsletter covering the double bass world.

Powered by ConvertKit