Left Hand Technique for the Advancing Bassist

Lessons for intermediate to advanced double bassists.

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Are you ready to master left hand technique?

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


Left Hand Technique for the Advancing Bassist is an online course by the acclaimed bassist and educator, Phoebe Russell.

This course is designed for classical double bassists who want to learn intermediate to advanced left hand technique. It comprises 30 online lessons over three and a half hours of video, with downloadable sheet music. The course covers a wide range of topics including intonation, thumb position, vibrato, posture, trills, block positioning and double stops, with examples from solo and orchestral repertoire. If you want to go beyond the basics and truly master left hand technique, this is the course for you!

This course is available to stream online, exclusively at Discover Double Bass.

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 will help you to play with more virtuosity, musicality and confidence.

What will I learn?

Phoebe Russell presents 30 video lessons that cover a wide range of topics on left hand technique, including:

  • Posture
  • Thumb position
  • Vibrato
  • Trills
  • Pivoting
  • Block positioning
  • Double stops
  • Intonation
  • ...and much more

In this course, Phoebe is playing a double bass in solo tuning, but the lessons are suitable for those using orchestra or solo tuning. Her bass will sound a whole tone higher than an instrument in orchestra tuning, but the note names and sheet music are the same for both tunings, so you can follow the lessons regardless of your tuning preference.

Contents


  Course Introduction
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  Chapter 1 - Foundations
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  Chapter 2 - Block Positioning
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  Chapter 3 - Vibrato and Trilling
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  Chapter 4 - Vibrato in Context ā€“ Koussevitsky Concerto, Op. 3, Mvt. I Allegro.
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  Chapter 5 - Thumb Position Technique
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  Chapter 6 - The Pivot
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  Chapter 7 - Shifting
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  Chapter 8 - Relaxation
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  Chapter 9 - Barring and Double Stops
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  Chapter 10 - Bottesini Concerto No. 2 in B Minor, Mvt. I, Allegro
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  Course Conclusion
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  Bonus Content
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Want to check out a free preview lesson? Click here.

 
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Sheet Music

Sheet music for the pieces and exercises are included in PDF format and can be downloaded.

 

"These lessons Iā€™m sharing with you are designed to make a real difference to your left hand technique and unlock your full musical potential."

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 bassists.
Does Phoebe use orchestra or solo tuning in these lessons?
Phoebe uses solo tuning, but these lessons are suitable for bassists using both orchestra and solo tuning. Her instrument will sound a whole tone higher than a bass in orchestra tuning.

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.