American School of Double Bass^®

What makes the American School uniquely "American" is the synthesis of the best elements that the "national" schools of playing and aesthetics have to offer into one philosophy of technique and musical ideals. Though its core technique is based primarily on traditional German technique, the American School draws from the "melting pot" of schools of playing, as well as many years of professional playing and teaching experience, research, and clearly documented materials to find modern solutions to centuries-old challenges.

The American School of Double Bass^® places the greatest emphasis on classical solo and orchestral playing, while recognizing that proficiency in chamber music and popular music idioms is intrinsic to the well-rounded competency of the playing and teaching bassist of the future. As a result, its technique is applicable to all performing circumstances and can be learned by any serious bassist.

New: Fingerboard Mapping Exercises Download - Fingerboard Mapping is a quick course of study for bassists to learn the "grid" of the fingerboard for the lowest octave on all four strings (144 notes!) These 17 pages replace the need to work your way through the first 40-plus pages of Simandl New Method. This knowledge of the fingerboard is fundamental to bassists of all styles to master the instrument. For example, bassists should master "Fingerboard Mapping" before attempting Simandl-Plus. Follow all the instructions carefully, particularly regarding writing in (or not writing) the fingerings.

It is also highly recommended for you to make a set of 12 flashcards (plus one blank place keeper), each flashcard diplayings one "fingering": G1, G2, G3, G4, D1, D2, etc. Quiz yourself on your knowledge of each of the 12 positions. Each position is named not by a number, but by the name of the note that the 1st finger plays on the G-string in any given position.

Download free sample of the Simandl-Plus Workbook

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Mission

Our mission is to instill in aspiring bassists of all ages and abilities a commitment to artistic and technical excellence through immersion in an energetic learning experience in a friendly, fun, and supportive environment. To inspire pride in their instrumental heritage, as well as an excitement for what each and every player can contribute to advancement of the double bass.  The American School of Double Bass^® seeks, through the intellect, intuition, and inspiration, solutions to technical and musical problems to help the player focus on extracting the composer’s and interpreter’s artistic vision. This provides bassists the tools to make artistic decisions based on musical sensibility rather than technical limitations.