Jason Heath’s Double Bass Blog

We’ve got a new poll up here on doublebassblog.org. What kind of hours do you put in on your instrument on a daily basis? Average it out–if you play four hours a day followed by no practice, then put down two hours.

Doublebassblog.org contributor Peter Tambroni has written an excellent double bass method book titled An Introduction to String Playing, and he has been a guest on Contrabass Conversations as well. In addition to a career as an active double bass performer and teacher, Peter is a middle school orchestra director in the Chicago area, and [...]

The 2009 International Society of Bassists convention will be held June ____ at Penn State. These biannual conventions are an absolute blast, with bassists from all across the globe gathering together to hear great performances, check out new gear, observe and participate in master classes, and much more.
As a member of the ISB Board [...]

We’re getting some good comments about the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra strike situation, including the expected snarky jabs from likely WCO board members and/or staff and some surprisingly unsympathetic comments from patrons. Check this one out, for instance, and read the original post here.

Chicago Symphony bassist, DePaul University bass instructor, and Contrabass Conversations guest Rob Kassinger plays an awesome bowed jazz solo at Symphony Center in Chicago with the Bobby Lewis Jazz Quintet:

Rob has an extensive jazz background–learn more about it by listening to his interview on Contrabass Conversations!

The following is a short excerpt from the E-Bass Line Newsletter from the International Society of Bassists. Receiving this newsletter each month is one of the many benefits for ISB members, including special rates on instrument insurance, the excellent journal Bass World, the paper edition of the Bass Line, and much more! Check out the [...]

Doublebassblog.org contributor Peter Tambroni has written an excellent double bass method book titled An Introduction to String Playing, and he has been a guest on Contrabass Conversations as well. In addition to a career as an active double bass performer and teacher, Peter is a middle school orchestra director in the Chicago area, and he [...]

Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.
-Ulysses S. Grant
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For up-to-date coverage of the WCO strike situation, be sure to visit the musicians’ website (not the management’s site): wcomusicians.wordpress.com
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As I write this post (October 1, 2008), the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is on strike. Here’s a summary of the the issues precipitating [...]

Northwestern University bass professor Peter Lloyd will be hosting a master class featuring Lawrence Wolfe on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 3-6 pm on the Northwestern University campus. The exact location for the class is still being decided, and I will add that information to this post when it is available. Northwestern University students will [...]

National Symphony Principal Bass Robert Oppelt recently put out an analysis of bow arm angles on his excellent website, which can be found at robertoppelt.com.
Robert advocates keeping a fairly straight bow arm when playing the bass, both for French and German bow. He provides great examples of how a straight arm can more efficiently transmit [...]