RNCM Young Basses
Workshops for all double bass players aged 8 – 18 with at least one year of playing experience, featuring sessions on jazz, orchestral and ensemble playing.
What is RNCM Young Basses?
RNCM Young Basses is a series of free workshops on double bass playing. It is a chance to meet other bassists and get expert tuition and advice on a range of topics. The sessions will be participatory so expect plenty of playing.
Who leads the session?
Geth Griffith Freelance double bassist, tutor at the RNCM and LIPA
Rachel Meerloo Halle bassist, tutor at Chethams and RNCM Young Strings
Gemma Ashcroft Freelance double bassist, tutor at Chethams and GM Music Hub
What happens during the workshop?
There will be sessions on orchestral, jazz and solo playing plus chamber groups of various sizes. Past sessions have included meeting double bass makers, hearing Ensembles from the RNCM perform and trying out a variety of bass instruments including Baroque basses and bass guitars. Past guests have included:
Julian Atkinson Principal Bass, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Nicki Davenport Bassist for Les Miserables in Concert, London’s West End
Roberto Carrillo-Garcia Freelance viola da gamba and double bassist
Alice Durrant Sub-Principal Bass, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Tim Toft Violins Double bass repairs and sales
Gemma Murray Freelance player, tutor for In Harmony Opera North
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 8 – 18 with at least one year of playing experience.
How can I find out more?
Visit rncm.ac.uk/youngbasses for further details and contact [email protected] to book your place.
Upcoming Workshops
Sunday 13 October
Sunday 12 January
Sunday 16 March
Sunday 27 April
Upcoming Workshops Include:
- October: War and Peace. Geth and Rachel Meerloo will be joined by RNCM and NCO tutor Jo Bradley.
- January: Music from the Movies. In the afternoon following Young Basses, there will be a chamber concert at 2pm featuring a double bass quartet of RNCM undergraduates.
- March: This will be a joint chamber music session with the Young Violas. Participants will be split by ability into four groups, performing to each other at the end of the session.
- April: There will be a concert featuring a joint piece with the Young Harps and Young Violas.
