Next Level Bassist Teaching and Inspiration

Publisher’s Note
Welcome to another issue of Next Level Bassist. We
are covering two topics that every bass player in the
entire world will deal with on one level or another,
the idea of inspiration and the art of teaching.
These two topics combine so well because in many
ways the longest and most challenging phase of our
musical lives is that of being a student. The greatest
players never truly peak, because they devote their entire lives to the study and
development of the craft. Finding the source of your inspiration can happen at
any time, but for most people it happens under the guidance of a teacher. This
close relationship can lead you to many of the most profound discoveries you
will have in your life, and can set you on the path to success.
There is no secret: success comes from hard work and most importantly, smart
work. Every single musician past, present, and future will have to push himself
or herself to extremes in order to achieve artistic satisfaction, to find the truths
inside that make truly magical music. Where do we find the fuel to propel
ourselves forward? How do we take it to the next level? I think that the answer
to these questions is both incredibly individual, and strangely universal too.
Ultimately, it all comes from the music. Transitioning from playing jazz
piano, Harvie S felt the calling of the bass to make his fellow musicians sound
better, and he taught himself to play from the examples of the greats that came
before him. Leigh Mesh continues to draw on the beauty and power of the
music he has been playing for 20 years with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Alex Hanna points to the incredible support of family that allowed him
to rise to the top of the orchestral world as principal bassist of the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra!
johnson
string instrument
VIOLINS, VIOLAS, CELLOS, BASSES & GUITARS
As a student in Philadelphia, I learned so much from the Philadelphia Orchestra.
For decades their bass section has set standards of interpretation, sound, and
overall musicality. Besides being my hometown orchestra, I have performed
in the bass section and in front of this incredible orchestra, and I am so excited
to share with you all the wisdom and perspective of these great players.
Finally, I am thrilled to mention the launching of a new journal, Next Level
Cellist, which coincides with this journal for bass players. The duet I wrote,
Just One Dance, is featured in both issues, and I hope it is only the tip of the
iceberg when it comes to collaborating with the cello community. We as bass
players have been lucky the last year to have this place to come together and
learn, and I know the cello community will be just as enthusiastic and generous.
Encourage your friends in the low string world to check it out. And don’t worry
- we’ve still got the lowest notes here!
RANAAN MEYER
Publisher Next Level Journals
www.johnsonstring.com
THE BASS SHOP
26 Fox Road
Waltham, MA 02451
800-359-9351
susanwilsonphoto.com
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SPRING 2014 NEXT LEVEL BASSIST
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