Bass guitar lessons from London-based touring pop musician *online and face to face*

Find out more about Alex

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I developed a passion for music when I was 13 years old. I heard this incredible melodic bass line in ‘Californication’ by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I didn’t even know it was a bass guitar I thought it was a very low guitar! I then became obsessed with the baselines written by the bass player Flea from that band.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I find there is so much music to explore in the modern world due to streaming that we can find infinite artists and playlists and it’s harder to listen to things on repeat as there’s so much to discover. I love all the different genres and stumbling upon new artists (however big or small they are!). Albums that I have recently had on repeat are ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’ by Doechi’, ‘Romance’ by Fontaines D.C. and any Hozier album!

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  Personally, I like to tailor my lessons to each person and what each person finds riveting will generally be different. I
  The most riveting or difficult course I would teach would be learning to improvise/solo and incorporating advanced techniques into the lessons.
  Learning a piece of music is one thing but to be able to play something of your own that is equally as good is an incredible skillset to have.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I would have to play all the instruments in the world to truly answer that. I also believe we are constantly learning and also should not be trying to achieve perfection. Although I would say the violin/trumpet seem fairly tricky to get an initial good sound.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Have a plan and write down your long term and short term goals. (Technique, ear training, a goal song to then playing a gig, tour, making music full-time career… anything is possible but it starts with writing it into reality!).
  Make practice a habitual thing, do 10mins minimum practice daily using a phone timer and you’ll find you’ve improved by the end of the week.
  ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ is a great saying, don’t compare yourself or your progress to others just take the inspiration and learn from them. You are unique!

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  I would love to meet Flea from the RHCP band as his life is so rich with stories, he has lived! Flea comes from a Jazz background and I would love to pick his brain on how he comes up with some of the most incredible bass lines.
  I would love to meet Joni Mitchell as she has also lived a fascinating life and I would love to gain insight into her songwriting practice. I think it would be less of a conversation and just myself listening to all of her wisdom.
  I would love to meet Janelle Monae she is an incredible creator that uses so many forms, songwriting, performing, production and fashion. I believe she would be very fun to party with too.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  I was once was recording with a grumpy producer and they told me to change the sound to give a brighter tone. I pretending to adjust my settings (secretly adjusting nothing) and suddenly it was the ‘perfect’ tone! Art is subjective for sure.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I work as a session musician so I am practicing what I preach. My experience of touring, creating with artists and musical theatre performance means I can put my real life experience into teaching.
  What is important to me is not just teaching my pupils how to play and progress but also that they feel confident within themselves and proud of all their achievements big or small.
  Music can is not just a hobby it can be an incredible creative outlet and can boost self esteem.