Contrabass Conversations

On both the blog and the podcast, I’ve always taken the stance of making things as good as I can and then putting them out in the world without any apologies.  Nothing drives me crazy more than liste…

Thierry Barbé is a man in constant motion. 

When he’s not performing as principal bass of the Paris National Opera or teaching at the Paris Conservatory, Thierry can be found in all corners of the gl…

It's time for our 2016 listener survey!

This survey will only take a minute or so to fill out, and it's incredibly helpful for me.

First off, I love hearing from you!

Also, it shows me what you …

I wrote a three-part series for Drew McManus’ site ArtsHacker earlier this year, and this got my brain going: what if I also put out some “pulling back the curtain” podcasts about how I do all of thi…

Today’s episode features Thomas Martin.  Tom has worn many hats throughout his career, working as an orchestra principal bass, soloist, champion of Bottesini’s music, luthier, teacher, and conductor.…

Welcome to the fourth and final installment of Winning the Audition, a special series from Contrabass Conversations featuring advice from leaders in the field about preparing and executing auditions …

Today’s episode features Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald. Originally from Australia, Matthew joined the Philharmonic in 2008 after spending time in orchestras in Denmark and Ge…

Welcome to the third installment of Winning the Audition, a special series from Contrabass Conversations featuring advice from leaders in the field about preparing and executing auditions successfull…

Today’s episode is a “round two” with Justin Locke. After playing double bass for many years with the Boston Pops, Justin is now a management coach, speaker, author, and playwright.

We talk about man…

Welcome to Winning the Audition - a special series from Contrabass Conversations featuring advice from leaders in the field about preparing and executing auditions successfully.  This series is drawn…

Today’s episode features Jory Herman, who is a member of the San Diego Symphony bass section and has just released his second solo album titled Life.  In addition to playing in the San Diego Symphony…

Welcome to Winning the Audition - a special series from Contrabass Conversations featuring advice from leaders in the field about preparing and executing auditions successfully.  This series is drawn…

Today’s episode features David White, who works as an upright and electric bassist in the world of musical theatre.  David is based in New York City and is currently on tour with the Bridges of Madis…

Today’s episode features Lloyd Goldstein, who has transitioned from playing in the Florida Orchestra to his current role working as a certified music practitioner at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tamp…

This is a special episode featuring International Society of Bassists 2017 Convention Chair and Artistic Director Nicholas Walker discussing plans for the upcoming convention.  This 50th anniversary …

Today's episode features Ithaca College professor and International Society of Bassists president Nicholas Walker.  In addition to teaching at Ithaca College, Nicholas performs between 170 and 180 co…

Today's podcast features an in-depth conversation with Peter Tambroni.  This is a "round two" conversation that builds upon the topics that we covered in our previous talk on episode 204.  Today we …

Today’s episode features jazz bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst.  Katie was recently featured in the Chicago Reader, and Jason Moran describes her as “a great bassist, composer, and lyricist, she has …