Smash Your Audition!

Learn advanced techniques and concepts to transform your bass playing.

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Are you looking for the edge to help you win your next audition?

Check out this short video learn how we can help you to shine! ✨


Smash Your Audition! is an incredible online course by the acclaimed bassist and educator Phoebe Russell.

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced classical bassists looking for a fresh approach to orchestral and solo double bass playing. If you're preparing for an audition or want to improve in all areas of your double bass playing, it's a great fit!

The course comprises 32 online lessons over three hours and 25 minutes of video, with downloadable sheet music. Lessons cover a wide range of topics on classical bass to help you prepare for an audition by focusing on advanced techniques, musical concepts and mental preparation. Whilst the goal is to help you smash your audition, these lessons are designed to help anyone looking to improve.

Concepts and techniques are demonstrated with these popular examples from the orchestral and solo repertoire:

  • Beethoven 5, Scherzo, Mvt. III (mm. 1-100)
  • Beethoven 5, Trio (mm. 140-218)
  • Beethoven 9, Mvt. IV, Recitative (mm. 8-90)
  • Verdi, Othello, Act IV
  • Mozart 40, Mvt. I (mm. 114-135)
  • Mahler 2, Mvt. I (mm. 1-41)
  • Vaňhal Concerto for Double Bass, Exposition

These lessons are designed to help you play with more confidence, musical freedom and personal expression.

Artist


Phoebe Russell
Phoebe Russell

Phoebe Russell is a virtuosic soloist, performer and educator from Melbourne, Australia. She is the principal double bassist of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and is regularly invited as guest principal at international orchestras, including the Australian World Orchestra and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, working under conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, Andris Nelsons, Daniel Barenboim, and Zubin Mehta.


 

This course is designed for those looking to master advanced double bass techniques, not just those taking an audition.

What will I learn?

32 video lessons cover a wide range of topics on classical double bass technique, from thumb position to intermediate/advanced bow strokes. Course topics include:

  • Left hand technique
  • Thumb position
  • Vibrato
  • Bowing
  • Intonation
  • Phrasing
  • Nerve management
  • Mental audition preparation
  • Stage skills
  • Preparing orchestral excerpts
  • Preparing a solo piece
  • ...and much more

 
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Contents


  Course Introduction
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  Chapter 1 - German Bow Technique
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  Chapter 2 - Audition Preparation
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  Chapter 3 - Beethoven 5, Scherzo
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  Chapter 4 - Beethoven 5, Trio
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  Chapter 5 - Beethoven 9, Recitative
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  Chapter 6 - Verdi, Otello
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  Chapter 7 - Mozart 40, Mvt. I
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  Chapter 8 - Mahler 2, Mvt. 1
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  Chapter 9 - Vanhal Concerto, Exposition
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  Chapter 10 - Course Conclusion
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  Bonus Content
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Want to check out a free preview lesson? Click here.

 

Simply put, Phoebe's lessons will help you play at your best and give you the edge to Smash Your Audition!

Sheet Music

Sheet music for the pieces and exercises including Phoebe's markings and fingerings are included in PDF format.

Join our exclusive community.

This course includes membership in the Discover Double Bass Study Group, a private online forum accessed directly through our website. You can ask questions, and get feedback on your playing from DDB founder Geoff Chalmers and the community members.

What's being said about this course?

"A really good course that has helped me to appreciate in the round what's required of the professional double bass player."

- Keith Pinnock

Start Learning!



Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Will the course work on a tablet?
Yes, all of our courses can be viewed via an internet browser on any device. However, please note an up-to-date operating system and/or browser may be required for video playback.
Can I download the videos?
No, they are only available to view online. However PDFs of the transcriptions are available to download.
Can I ask Phoebe Russell questions?
Phoebe Russell isn't available to answer questions. We do include membership to the 'Study Group', a private forum on our website where you can ask Geoff Chalmers and our community of double bassists questions.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
No. This course is designed for intermediate to advanced players.
Is this course for French or German bow players?
Phoebe presents all of the lessons in this course using German bow; however, some concepts can be applied to French bow, including all the chapters on solo and orchestral excerpts.
Is this course in orchestral or solo tuning?
Phoebe plays in standard orchestral tuning in all lessons except the solo performance, which is in solo tuning. A piano accompaniment play-along track for solo tuning is also provided.

Our courses are only available on DiscoverDoubleBass.com and include a 30-day, full refund policy.

Have questions about the course or need help? Contact us.