Jazz Bass for the Non-Bassist: Upright & Electric (Beginner Level)
Date
June 7-August 1, 2021
Course Code
7511
Credits
3 Graduate Credits
Tuition
$1,065, due in full with registration
Course Description
Learn the building blocks of improvising on the double bass or bass guitar in a jazz style. Develop walking bass lines and improvised solos from chord charts and discover methods for instructing young bassists in a jazz ensemble setting.
This course will include:
• Playing accompanimental bass lines in swing, straight-eighth notes and ballad styles
• Fingerboard/fretboard layout and fingerings
• Basic harmonic structures of relevant chord/scale relationships
• Navigating common jazz chord progressions
• Concepts in improvisation
• Learning six standard jazz tunes
• Concepts in jazz education
Students can choose either upright or electric bass to take this course. No previous jazz or improvisation experience necessary.
Instructor
Doug Bistrow
Doug Bistrow received his degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he majored in String Bass Performance and Jazz & Contemporary Media. Giving over 150 concerts per year, he has performed with Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, the Silk Road Ensemble, R. Kelly, Edgar Meyer, Howard Levy, Makaya McCraven, Dee Alexander, The Metropolitan Jazz Octet, BakerzMillion, Time For Three, Johnny Osborne, Ky-Mani Marley, Keith & Tex, Akasha, and many others. Bistrow is a member of the Chicago Philharmonic, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and the Metropolitan Jazz Octet. Bistrow is on the faculty at Vandercook College of Music, where he teaches applied double bass, and offers asynchronous online courses through the MECA program in beginning upright and electric bass, beginning jazz bass and orchestral bass. Bistrow owns and operates Audio Bistro Recording Studio in Chicago’s Logan Square.