About double bass lessons with me

My double bass lessons focus on building solid, reliable technique while also leaving space to develop your own musical voice. I teach both classical and jazz methods, and also work with singers who want to accompany themselves.

For classical students, I teach French bow technique and use the Vance and Rabbath methods. Jazz and folk lessons are more open, offering space to explore the music you love while developing strong, versatile foundations on the instrument.

We can also work on ear training, music theory, and creative projects — always shaped around your goals and paced to support long-term growth and enjoyment.

Enquire about Double bass lessons ⟶


What you can study

Instrumental technique and accompaniment

  • Jazz pizzicato technique

  • Arco / bowing technique (French bow)

  • Left hand technique and shifting

  • Playing in thumb position

  • Creating basslines, including walking lines

  • Playing and singing at the same time

  • Developing rhythmic accuracy and groove in various accompaniment styles

  • Vance and Rabbath method books (classical students)

Musicianship and theory

  • Ear training and learning by ear

  • Reading notated music and jazz lead sheets

  • Practical music theory for folk musicians

  • Advanced music theory and jazz harmony

  • Improvisation and soloing

Songwriting, composition and creativity

  • Lyric writing, songwriting, and composition

  • Arranging music for solo or band performances

  • Recording and producing music at home

  • Artistic development and creative coaching

Performance skills

  • Exam preparation and repertoire development

  • Playing with others in a group or duo setting

  • Leading your own band or ensemble

  • Performance preparation

  • Relaxation and overcoming performance anxiety


Lesson options & pricing

I offer in-person double bass lessons in Vermont and Bentleigh (Melbourne's eastern and southern suburbs), as well as online double bass lessons via Zoom for students across Australia and internationally.

You can choose between ongoing weekly lessons or single 90-minute masterclasses.

 

Weekly lessons

suitable for all levels

  • Ages 8–12: $75 AUD (€50 / £42 / $55 USD) / 45 minutes

  • Ages 13+: $90 AUD (€58 / £50 / $66 USD) / 60 minutes

Lessons are prepaid every 10 weeks or at the beginning of the school term. Casual lessons are also available at a different rate — see the weekly lessons page for details.

Weekly lessons are one-on-one, ongoing lessons for students who want steady support and structured progress in their music learning. They give us the chance to build trust, explore your goals at a sustainable pace, and develop your skills over time.

Read more about weekly lessons

 

Masterclasses

Suitable for intermediate to advanced students

  • $165 AUD (€105 / £90 / $110 USD) / 90 minutes

Masterclasses are one-on-one, intensive sessions for musicians who don’t need weekly lessons but want focused, expert guidance on a specific challenge or area they’re keen to explore.

Read more about masterclasses

 
 

 

About me

I love teaching, especially seeing students improve and celebrating moments of progress and success together. I also appreciate when my students bring their own music and ideas to explore, I feel like I learn as much from them as they do from me.

In my own practice I’ve been lucky to learn from teachers who champion both technical precision and creativity. This balance lies at the heart of my teaching—helping students build a solid foundation while giving them the freedom to play and explore with joy.

Erica cleverly challenges me with new styles and techniques and the more I learn the more excited I am about what else there is to learn. I am hooked on guitar and so grateful to have a wonderfully talented teacher.
— Caitlin H, guitar student
My daughter has developed so much musically under Erica’s guidance, it’s lovely to see. Lessons with Erica are one activity my daughter is always keen to do, even though she’s now an unpredictable teenager!
— Jacquie, parent of singing, guitar & songwriting student

Enquire about double bass lessons

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If you’re interested in guitar, ukulele or double bass lessons, please get in touch — I’d love to hear what you’re working on or hoping to explore, and I’ll get back to you with current availability and next steps.

Go to enquiry form ⟶