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PODCAST

Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations features interviews and performances from top leaders in the world of the double bass. Podcast host Jason Heath dives deep into what makes these world-class artists tick. With 2 million downloads and counting, Contrabass Conversations is the most popular podcast for double bassists. Join the community and experience life on the low end of the spectrum!

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All Episodes

43:30

1117: Darren Sacks on teaching double bass

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, we chat with Darren Sacks, a double bass audition coach, UMass Boston Associate Lecturer, and Greater Boston freelance bassist, to discuss winning strategies for double bass auditions. Darren shares insights from his 9 years of coaching experience, during which he's helped students gain acceptance into major youth orchestras like the Boston Youth Symphony (BYSO) and NEC Prep, summer festivals including Interlochen and BUTI Tanglewood, and undergraduate programs such as

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51:11

1116: Rodney Slatford on publishing

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/23

In this episode, Jason Heath interviews Rodney Slatford. Rodney is joined by his friend Mike Coombs, who helped facilitate this conversation. Together, they explore Rodney's remarkable career as a performer, educator, publisher, and advocate for the double bass. As founding Chairman of the Yorke Trust, Rodney Slatford has established himself as a renowned double bass player and teacher. His career includes over 1000 performances worldwide, 30 years with the Nash Ensemble of London, 10 years as

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01:00:22

1115: Tim Rinehart on audition breakthroughs

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/16

Tim Rinehart is the Principal Double Bassist of the Oregon Symphony. A graduate of Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, Tim studied with Paul Ellison while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He is the winner of the 2025 International Society of Bassists Orchestral Division Competition and has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras including the Boston Symphony, London Symphony, and Houston Symphony. Tim shares his journey through multiple auditions in a single season,

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36:41

1114: Sarah Bassingthwaighte on her double bass concerto

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/09

In this episode, we speak with composer and flutist Dr. Sarah Bassingthwaighte about her groundbreaking Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra, recently recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra with soloist Stephen Schermer. We dig into Sarah's approach to composition, the experience of writing this piece, balancing a solo bass with a full orchestra, and much more. Enjoy, and check out the sheet music for this cool new piece in our store! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews

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30:40

1113: Charles Gambetta on rethinking double bass...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/02

In this episode, Charles Gambetta introduces his innovative bass position system that addresses traditional limitations in fingerboard comprehension. His method combines Roman numerals with Arabic numbers to provide contextual information that enhances physical and mental connections during play. Charles explains how starting students at the 'primary lock' position and focusing on finger placement and shift intervals improves intonation. He also demonstrates how this approach benefits various

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02:05:12

1112: Remembering Jack Budrow

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/25

Winston "Jack" Budrow, former ISB board member, passed away on September 4, 2024, at age 79 after a brief hospice stay. Jack retired from Michigan State University's College of Music, where he served as professor of double bass and co-chair of the string area. His distinguished career encompassed both performance and teaching, including positions with the Houston Symphony and as principal bass in the North Carolina Symphony. His students have secured positions in prestigious orchestras worldwide,

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50:38

1111: Bass Pedagogy Evolution with Gaelen McCormick

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/18

In this episode, we're joined by Gaelen McCormick, President of the International Society of Bassists, to discuss her groundbreaking book Teaching Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: Historical and Modern Pedagogical Practices, co-authored with Dijana Ihas and Miranda Wilson. Gaelen shares insights on the historical development of bass pedagogy and how teaching methods have evolved over centuries. We explore the fascinating evolution of bass pedagogy from 1800 to the present day, with special

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58:18

1110: What it takes to make it as a theater musician

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/11

In today's episode, Trevor Jones and Jason explore the joys and terrors of subbing in the high-stakes world of musical theater. Read the transcription of this interview with other helpful links and resources. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Thank you to our sponsor! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York

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16:38

1109: Courtney & Jason on Biarritz and the Joy of...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/05

In this episode, my wife, Courtney, and I share our exciting experiences from the recent Biarritz International Bass Academy in the beautiful coastal town of Biarritz, France. We discuss the unique atmosphere of this bass event and explore why gatherings like this are invaluable for musicians at all levels. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Thank you to our sponsors

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19:03

1108: Remembering Gary Karr

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/28

In this special episode, Jason Heath shares three personal memories of the legendary double bassist Gary Karr, who passed away this summer. Gary Karr was widely regarded as the world's leading solo bassist who elevated the double bass as a solo instrument during his illustrious career. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Thank you to our sponsors! Upton Bass - From

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51:17

1107: Olie Brice on his Journey into Improvised Music

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/21

In this episode, we're joined by UK-based double bassist Olie Brice, a prominent voice in the world of free jazz and improvised music. Olie shares his musical journey, practice approaches, and experiences as a touring bassist working with renowned artists like Evan Parker and Tony Malaby. This episode offers valuable insights for bassists interested in improvised music, as well as listeners curious about the creative process behind free jazz and the practical aspects of life as a touring musician

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01:14:54

1106: David Cutler on The Savvy Musician 2.0

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/14

In this episode, we welcome back David Cutler to discuss his new book, "The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, & Inspiration" (Oxford University Press, July 2025). David shares insights from this comprehensive resource on music careers and entrepreneurship, featuring over 150 case studies of diverse performers, creators, educators, and institutions. Episode Highlights: Evolution from the original "The Savvy Musician" to the new 2.0 version Key strategies for musicians looking to amplify

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58:57

1105: Renée-Paule Gauthier on auditions and podcasting

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/07

This episode features a conversation with Renée-Paule Gauthier, host of the "Mind Over Finger" podcast and a successful violinist who recently won a position in the Lyric Opera of Chicago. We reminisce about past interactions and discuss the power of podcasting and coaching in providing continuous learning and personal growth. Renée shares her journey of integrating disciplined scheduling into her life, balancing her career as a musician while delving into coaching. The discussion explores the

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21:18

1104: James VanDemark on playing in Ukraine

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/07/31

In this episode, we speak with acclaimed double bassist James VanDemark about his remarkable musical journey to Ukraine, where he recently premiered two new works with the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Theodore Kuchar. We discuss the commissioning and premiering of two new concerti by Ukrainian composers Maksim Kolomiiets and Mykhailo Shved as part of Lviv's 44th Virtuosos International Festival. We explore the dramatic story behind creating these works during wartime, James'

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01:00:09

1103: Phil Donnelly on recording the double bass

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/07/24

Today's episode features UK-based bassist Phil Donnelly. Phil is an active performer on London's West End and recently released a video for D'Addario about how to record a double bass on any budget. We dig into the benefits of having your own studio space, how Phil has navigated London's theater world, his relationship to practicing, avoiding burnout, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to give Phil a follow on Instagram! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically

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42:26

1102: Brandon Lopez on developing his double bass voice

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/07/17

Today's episode features acclaimed bassist Brandon Lopez discussing his unique approach to the double bass, his collaborative experiences, and his journey developing a distinctive musical voice. From performing with the New York Philharmonic to playing in DIY Brooklyn basements, Lopez has worked alongside luminaries across jazz, classical, poetry, and experimental music. We explore the physical and intellectual aspects of bass performance, how he collaborates with other artists, life on the road,

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31:21

1101: Lorraine Campet on her new album "Ames soeurs"

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/07/10

Lorraine Campet is recognized as one of the most talented double bassists of her generation. A passionate musician who embraces her profession fully, she thrives equally in chamber music, orchestral performance, and sharing her passion for the violin and double bass. She recently released her debut album Ames soeurs, which has garnered critical acclaim. We explore Lorraine's musical background, her process for selecting pieces for this album, her experiences playing both violin and bass, and much

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11:30

1100: Sienna George mute comparison

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/07/03

In this mini episode, we explore tonal comparisons of mutes crafted from various woods with Sienna George. Be sure to follow Sienna on Instagram and check out her past podcast appearance from 2022. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music Thank you to our sponsor! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic,

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30:24

1099: Xavier Foley in San Francisco!

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/06/26

Acclaimed double bassist and composer Xavier Foley recently made his recital debut at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. During his visit, he generously made time to chat for the podcast and brought his bass along to perform. In this episode, we explore Xavier's background, compositional process, and much more. Watch the video version on YouTube, and discover his exceptional playing, sheet music, bows, and other offerings on his website, Instagram, and YouTube Channel! Subscribe to the

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38:54

1098: Kate Jones on her new double bass pedagogy book

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/06/19

Double bassist and educator Kate Jones has just published her first book. Titled "Scotland Through the (St)Ages," this resource explores the concept of deep review through a familiar and simple tune—presenting 84 variations on the classic melody "Scotland's Burning." We explore the inspiration behind this book, the creative process of putting it together, and how teachers, students, and professionals can incorporate it into their musical practice. Enjoy! Subscribe to the podcast to get these

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1,154 results

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