Lessons

Hello! Welcome to the teaching page of my website. I offer electric bass, double bass and music theory lessons to students of all ages and levels. With an emphasis on ear training and technique, I follow the students’ musical interests as a vessel for accomplishing their goals. With a masters degree in classical bass and over 12 years of teaching under my belt, I have a very intentional and well tested method for teaching technique, sight reading, classical repertoire and playing orchestral and chamber music. I am also very passionate about teaching jazz, building bass lines and improvisation and demystifying the theory behind it. I currently offer both Zoom lessons and in-person lessons if you live in New York. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Testimonials

“I am an older student who, in spite of playing guitar and piano by ear since I was a kid, struggles with reading music.  I took up the upright bass ten years ago but initially could not find a teacher that could "hold my feet" to a written score without killing my joy of making music.  I feel incredibly lucky to have connected with Kelsey as my teacher.  She is patient and creative in teaching me ways to unblock myself while playing.  I play in a small community orchestra and she is more than happy to break the lesson cycle to help me that that music as the season progresses.  I look forward to our sessions knowing I'll never be great, but I can certainly be better and, most importantly, I can have fun along the way.”

— Joe

"I have taken lessons on and off with Kelsey over the years and always found the lessons extremely useful, and my time with Kelsey very enjoyable.  Kelsey is very experienced, knowledgeable, respectful to the culture and history surrounding the music we study, and encouraging.  As someone who struggles to read sheet music and to maintain a set discipline of practice, I never feel ashamed, rather supported in the present moment to break things down, learn and try- taking advantage of the here and now of the lesson.  As well, I feel a sense of comradery and understanding about what it's like being the bassist, which at times can feel solitary without other bassists in the ensemble, and it is fun to connect and learn cool tips for that role!  I've also appreciated the creativity of how Kelsey approaches working with me and where I'm at, rather than having a rote formula for what should come next in lessons.  I highly recommend and hope you have fun playing bass with Kelsey!!"  

— Jessica