We have a tremendous amount of informative, interactive, and downloadable resources for the classical double bassist here at doublebassblog.org. The most valuable resource of all is the Contrabass Conversations podcast, which features in-depth interviews with prominent bassists. If you are having trouble locating a specific resource, or if you would like to suggest a new resource for the blog, please e-mail us at jasonheath@doublebassblog.org or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page. A list of complete double bass blog resources is available at doublebassblog.org/features.
Articles
We’ve got a huge variety of articles on subjects ranging from the music business in general to orchestral, jazz, and classical performing techniques, freelancing, stories about life as a musician, and much more. Visit doublebassblog.org/articles for a complete list of articles available here.
Here are some specific articles helpful to the classical double bassist. Most are hosted on this site, but some will take you to other double bass websites:
- Getting a Good Sound by John Floeter
- Advice for Aspiring Music Performance Majors by Jason Heath
- Arm Exercises for Flexibility and Strength by Phillip Serna
- Arm Exercises for Flexibility and Strength by Rob Oxoby
- Auditioning for the older musician by Jean-Yves Bénichou
- Balancing solid musicianship and solid bass playing by Nicholas Hart
- Buying a Bass by Jason Heath
- Choosing a double bass gig bags by Jason Heath
- Comparing Rabbath and Simandl techniques by Jason Heath
- Contemporary conservatory life by Nicholas Hart
- Double bass extensions by Jason Heath
- Essentials for bassists by John Floeter
- German bow grips by Robert Oppelt
- Getting in shape fast after a vacation by John Floeter
- Getting out of the practice room by Nicholas Hart
- How posture affects sound by Nicholas Hart
- How to polish ebony fingerboards by Jean-Yves Bénichou
- Jean Cros – in memorium Jean-Yves Bénichou
- Mental aspects of bass playing by Nicholas Hart
- Mock Auditions by Nicholas Hart
- Organizing practice time by John Floeter
- Performance Anxiety by Nicholas Hart
- Playing the Mahler 1 bass solo by Robert Oppelt
- Practice organization – getting a good sound by John Floeter
- The Psychology of Being Musical by Nicholas Hart
- This new bass (a painful journey) by Eric Hochberg
- Tuning in Fifths with Joel Quarrington (audio interview on NACO)
- Upgrading instruments by John Floeter
- Sound and motion in bass playing by Nicholas Hart
- What to practice when time is of the essence by Joe Lewis
Auditions
Want to find out the latest double bass auditions, news about recent winners, and more? Just visit our audition index to learn more.
Audition Requirements
Get the skinny on what material is required for auditions at various major music schools, and add to the body of knowledge by leaving additional information here!
Bass Posts
Want to look at just bass-related content? Just click here!
Bass Videos
Listing of all videos available on DoubleBassBlog.org.
Collaborators
We have a diverse set of excellent collaborators contributing content to doublebassblog.org. This page features biographical information for our writers and a link to all of their contributions.
Contrabass Conversations
Weekly audio and video episodes featuring interviews, performances, virtual lessons, crazy gig stories, and much more.
Crazy Gig Stories
We’re constantly turning out new stories about the wacky things that we musicians run into on a daily basis. Ever have a car explode while coming home from a gig? Ever have a plane taken over by the musicians? It’s happened, and it’s covered here.
Double Bass Interviews
Check out our constantly evolving archive of double bass audio interviews with luminaries from all musical genres. Once on this page, individual guests may be selected (each is pictured next to their name and occupation). We add to this archive on a weekly basis, so check back frequently for more content!
Take me to the archive >>
Selected Interviews:
- Tuning in Fifths with Joel Quarrington (audio interview on NACO)
Double Bass Performances
Visit our Contrabass Conversations archive for weekly performances from double bassists across the globe! Classical, jazz, bluegrass, and electric bassists are all featured, and available offerings may be searched by guest or keyword.
Take me to the archive >>
Double Bass Video Lessons
We have several multi-part video lessons available. These may be viewed online or can be downloaded. Links are available to download each individual video (viewable on your computer, iPod, or other portable media device), and all available videos can be downloaded automatically by subscribing to our Contrabass Conversations feed.
Downloads
Click here to visit the DBB.org download archive and pick up hundreds of PDFs, MP3s, and other resources.
Links
Hundreds of links to resources about musical study, downloads, gear, schools, summer festivals, practice resources, and a whole lot more.
Early Bass
Learn more about early bass, violone, and gamba playing from our Early Music Perspectives series hosted by Dr. Phillip Serna.
Luthier Directory
Our list of shops that sell, repair, or construct double basses and related gear. View our listings or add your own for free!
Orchestral Audition Audio Study Guides
Listen to and follow along with double bassist John Grillo as he takes listeners through the standard orchestral audition repertoire for the double bass. Includes both audio double bass excerpts and dialogue.
Take me to the study guide >>
Practicing Resources
Hundreds of MP3s are available to work with online or download for student practicing. This page also features a list of useful online tools for practicing and musical development.
Podcasts
Learn more about the double bass and hear great interviews and performances from leaders in the field through the Contrabass Conversations audio and video podcast series!
Recitals and Performances
We offer an ever-expanding set of full-length performances of double bass solo and chamber repertoire. This page lists our current offerings. You can find many more live performances in the Contrabass Conversations archives, and feel free to submit a piece or suggest a feature through the form at the bottom of this page.
Sitemap
This page is a categorized listing of all posts, pages, and resources here on the blog. We have thousands of entries listed here, but it is a good way to scan chronologically through our resources.
Teacher Directory
Looking for a classical bass teacher in you area? Visit our teacher directory for a worldwide list of classical bass teachers. Are you a bass teacher? Then add yourself to the directory!
Virtual Master Class Project
Listen to and comment on tracks from musicians worldwide, and submit your own tracks anonymously for evaluation from the community. You do not need to be a bass player to participate!
Add a resource? Email jasonheath -at- doublebassblog.org.
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