Basics
As a double bass player I strive for a good sound. I like to define sound as a musical translation of my own personality.
So what is a good sound?
From my own perspective, as a player, the instrument should sound the way I intend it to sound. From the perspective of an audience the instrument should sound distinct as well as being part of a collective.
When studying double bass, somehow the exercises can be related to this starting point: sender and receiver are part of the musical sound.
Let me give you some concrete examples of thoughts, ideas and exercises that I use. A (good) exercise should focus on one main idea.
- (musical sentences) play a scale over 2 octaves and phrase it in a certain way, using accents
- (intervals) play a major seven interval and connect it to the following key in the fourth circle
- (expression) play something (can be anything) that travels from your instrument to a spot in the room that you have choosen
Inspiration
As a double bass playing musician I’m attached to the sound, energy and spirit of Charles Mingus.
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.
ArtEZ Conservatory
March 2014 I started to work as double bass teacher at the department Jazz & Pop at ArtEZ Conservatory in Arnhem. I was a student myself at this school from 1995 to 1997 and got lessons from Henk Haverhoek.
All my previous experiences, varying from playing on the street, teaching at music schools in Utrecht and Amsterdam, working with dancers and actors, leading and co-leading several groups, and playing a rather countless number of concerts, I use to pass on the information that I think is useful for upcoming musicians to find their way towards a life as a professional player and creator.
Masterclass
In June 2012 I gave a masterclass at The University of Nijmegen on double bass & improvisation. It gives an impressions of my personal style.