Bass Guitar Lessons,
Double Bass Lessons
Philadelphia Area

Teaching and Tutoring of the Double Bass and Bass Guitar by Paul Klinefelter — in and near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For inquiries, please contact us.

TEACHING PHILOsOpHY

My experience in double bass and bass guitar covers many genres, from traditional blues, rock and funk, to the symphonic and classical solo repertoire. It has always been my philosophy that a student should learn what may be called “classical technique” on his chosen instrument no matter what his desired musical direction. This is to ensure good tone production as well as the ability to execute a composer’s (or one’s own) musical ideas unhindered by technical deficiencies. Thus a student wishing to learn jazz double bass should be taught how to use a bow, for the simple reason that if one can produce a good arco sound, a good strong pizzicato sound will be guaranteed. Tone production is as much, if not more, a function of the fingering hand as it is the arco/pizz hand.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Many of my students have gone on to college study and professional careers. In the 2008-9 season, two of the eight bassists in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Orchestra were from my studio. I have also placed students in the PMEA All-State and Regional Orchestras as well as the Philadelphia Sinfonia and Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. Past students have been accepted at Peabody Conservatory, Temple’s Boyer College of Music, Eastman School of Music, and The New School (for Jazz and Contemporary Music)

TEACHING POSITIONS

Currently I teach at Community College of Philadelphia and The Music Centre in Lionville, PA as well as my home studio in Conshohocken, PA. Past teaching positions include Rowan University, Settlement Music School and the Kimberton-Waldorf School. I have also been a clinician at Berklee College of Music and West Chester University’s Summer Jazz Workshop.

Praise & Testimonials

I got so much out of our lessons over the past two years or so. Your approach to the string bass, emphasizing a solid technical foundation coupled with clear and lucid explanations of jazz theory and playing, made practicing and taking lessons such a pleasure. I'm so happy with the progress I made during my time working with you. One of the things I will miss most from living in Philadelphia is studying with you. Thanks again for opening my eyes to this instrument and showing me its possibilities.
—John Gorham

Josh got into jazz band. They had their first rehearsal today and he came home SOOO excited about it! Thank you so much for your help! I definitely want him to keep up with his lessons with you to make sure he stays on the right track. Thanks a million,
—Amanda

I always enjoy working with your extremely talented players. Greg Knowlton was a pleasure to work with. I was really impressed by how quickly he fit right into the group and how hard he worked to learn the repertoire. We just had a very successful concert at the Kimmel Center where we performed Mahler's Symphony No. 1 for the first time in Sinfonia's 15 year history. We are continuing to expand our program to include more sectional work, master classes and a wide variety of exciting and appropriately challenging repertoire. If you have any students that you think might be interested in auditioning, would you kindly let them know about our upcoming auditions? As always, thanks for your support and I hope you will
keep us in mind for your students.
—Gary D. White
Music Director & Conductor, Philadelphia Sinfonia
www.philadelphiasinfonia.com

Greg's graduation and starting college seem a good occasion to thank you for the years of effective teaching and inspiration you've given to him. We've appreciated his growth as a musician every step of the way, and we owe so much of it to you.
—Rob & Kaye Knowlton"

I just want to say that after his first lesson with you, Cameron got back in the car and said that he had learned more in that hour than in the previous year. By the way, Cameron found out yesterday that he made the jazz band. Practices start tonight.All the best, and thanks so much for all the work you have done with him,
—Rita Krueger

Contact Us

For inquiries, please contact us.

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