Bass Lessons In Sonoma County

I offer electric and upright bass lessons for students of any level, whether you’ve just picked up the instrument, played it on the side for many years, or if you want to literally melt faces with your burning chops.

I currently offer a free first lesson to all new students.

I teach from the studios at Loud and Clear Music in Cotati. I also teach over Skype.

I can teach you to:

- slap like Victor Wooten
- play fingerstyle funk like Jaco
- strum like a flamenco guitarist
- play harmonics
- tap chords and melodies
- use super efficient technique

And on upright bass:

- play pizzicato (fingerstyle)
- play arco (with a bow)
- good intonation
- good posture

About Me

I have extensive technical knowledge of the bass instruments, as well as a thorough grounding in music theory, and a great passion for teaching. Most importantly, I teach bass as integrally as I know how, focusing not just on technique or rhythm, but other elements like tone, articulation, dynamics, and listening.

I understand the role of the bass in many styles – I’ve played jazz, funk, rock, ska, soul, hip hop, fusion, latin styles, orchestral music, gypsy, metal, country blues, and more. I also understand that the bass instruments have many other possibilities beyond their traditional role that we can explore. We can groove like drummers, comp like piano players, and solo like guitar and horn players!

I love to explore the boundaries of what’s possible on the bass, and I have a deep understanding of how efficiency translates to good technique from my years of classical training with a Juilliard graduate.

I studied music and music theory at Santa Rosa Junior College for 2 years, completing their theory program at the top of my class. I read music fluently and can teach you the basics, or how to bring your reading to the next level.

One of my favorite parts of being where I am in my musical development is how well I’m able to share my knowledge and experience with my students. In the years I’ve taught private bass lessons, I’ve found it so rewarding to watch my students grow over time and have fun with their instruments and their music.

My in-studio rates are:

One half hour lesson: $40

One hour lesson: $60

The studios at Loud and Clear are in Cotati, right off the 101 freeway, and in close range to Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Penngrove, and Sebastopol.

Whether I’m teaching a middle school student or a retired doctor, my primary interest is in my students learning and having FUN! Our lessons will be fun! I love to take as many cues from my students as possible to determine what direction we move in, so I guarantee we’ll only learn stuff that you’re actually interested in.

Please get in touch via email to try to your free first lesson! (and if you’re too far away for in-person lessons, consider bass lessons over Skype!)

Josh Fossgreen
Sonoma County Bass Teacher
josh@joshfossgreen.com