Information About Alfie - Brighton teacher

Personal Description:

I'm a freelance double bassist specialising in multiple genres, extended techniques and creative use of the instrument. I began learning to play the double bass when I was just 8 years old, learning classical technique and often playing folk music with my brother. Since then I've studied with Cuban, West African, Swedish and British bassists and gained an understanding of the nuances of so many different genres and how to bring them together creatively to adapt and bring life to any musical setting.

Tutoring Experience:

I've taught many ages and skill levels, from beginners who are just learning how to hold the bow and where to put their hands, to advanced players who are already playing in professional bands but just want to take their playing to the next level.

I've led and helped facilitate music workshops in many settings, from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment's 2012 "Anthem for a Child" tour to a ukulele group in Somerset.

Tutoring Approach:

I have found that having a strong foundation of classical technique is vital for double bass students. It provides the rocks that everything else is built upon. The last thing you want is to be 10 years down your double bass playing journey and find yourself unable to advance further because you're limited by poor technique and have to unlearn 10 years of built up bad habits, or worse still be faced with a repetitive strain type injury that stops you from being able to play altogether. (Such experiences are not uncommon in double bassists).

From there the sky is the limit and learning to move and groove with the instrument, learn different genres, build diversity and bring feelings and musicality in to our playing becomes the focus. That is where I believe music's greatest value comes from and it's what i am most excited to share with my students.