The bass plays a critical role in whatever ensemble it finds itself in.  Often reinforcing or playing the root of the harmonic chord at any given moment, and helping to establish pulse, rhythm, and structure to the songs being performed.

And for all of that importance, much of it is aural, institutional knowledge that must be taught and experienced by another who knows it, not out of a book.  With most other instruments, simply having a technical vocabulary and a working facility on the instrument is enough to declare competence.  Not so with the bass.  Just like the drums, the entire role must be explained, coached, and experienced in order to grasp and absorb the craft – you simply can’t learn bass out of a book, and possibly expect to step into an ensemble setting and function.

Merriam School of Music is proud to count clinicians and teachers like Ross MacIntyre and Calvin Beale – two of Canada’s finest, and both award winners, amongst our bass team.  Check out more below, and if you or your child has an interest in becoming a serious – or hobbyist – bass player, we’re the place for you!