Hailing from Spokane, Washington, John began playing the upright bass at age 10 and soon picked up the electric. Educated by a bassist who toured with Harry Belafonte (ever heard the Banana Boat Song? “Day-O!”) and the Spokane Symphony’s former principal bassist, John passes on musical training that stresses knowledge rooted in classical and jazz, but encompasses all genres. Growing up, John played with numerous groups ranging from indie rock to electronica, and held the position of principal bassist for the Spokane Youth Symphony. Currently, John is pursuing a double major at Western Washington University in music and neuroscience. After ensuring his students employ strong technique, John utilizes an approach aimed at visual learners to tackle the complexities of reading, composition, and music theory, because most of the population is not endowed with the kinesthetic and auditory “savantism” of child prodigies. Students will also focus on aspects such as the subtleties of style, ethnomusicology, instrument maintenance, and a plethora of other subjects required to become a successful bassist. With the goal of providing superior education to every skill level, John will teach anyone who desires to learn.
