Double Bass Lessons in Sheffield
Jazz, classical, rockabilly — beginners to advanced, in-person or online
The double bass is one of those instruments that sounds incredible the moment you play a single note — and one most people never get a proper chance to learn. I’ve been playing and teaching it for years, across jazz, classical and rockabilly settings, and I’d love to show you how to get the most out of it. Whether you’ve just bought your first one or you’re working towards a grade, lessons are built around what you actually want to play.
Part of music lessons in Sheffield — six instruments, one teacher, same approach.
20+ years playing
Bass player by trade — electric, double bass, jazz upright, the lot. Recording credits at Abbey Road and work with Mike Stock and Shayne Ward over the years.
Built around you
Whether it’s your first lesson, prepping for an ABRSM grade, or learning slap-style for rockabilly — every session is built around what you actually want to play.
5★ rated on Google
75 reviews, 5.0 average. Students from total beginners to working musicians — the reviews speak for themselves.
What you'll learn
Double bass is a serious instrument — physically, technically, and musically. Lessons cover everything from posture through to advanced repertoire.
Technique
Posture, bow hold, left-hand position, pizzicato, arco, slap-style for rockabilly. Built up properly so you don’t pick up bad habits that’ll hurt you down the line.
Theory & reading
Bass clef reading, jazz chord symbols, walking basslines, key signatures. As deep as you want to go — practical theory you’ll actually use on the bandstand.
Repertoire
Jazz standards, classical pieces, rockabilly grooves, orchestra excerpts. Bring the music you want to play and we’ll work it out together.
Playing with others
Locking in with a drummer, comping behind soloists, walking bass over chord changes, ear training. The bits that turn practice into actual music-making.
Who I teach
Total beginners through to working musicians. Whatever stage you’re at, lessons start where you are.
Complete beginners
Just bought your first double bass? Brilliant — it’s a beautiful instrument to start on. We’ll work on how to hold it, how to draw a clean note, and have you playing simple basslines from the first lesson.
Improvers
You can play a bit but you’ve hit a wall — usually intonation, timing, or fitting in with a band. We’ll work out what’s holding you back and fix it.
Advanced players
Working musicians, jazz players, classical students prepping for orchestral auditions or session work. Lessons sharpen specific skills and tackle whatever’s in front of you.
Exam prep
ABRSM and Trinity grades for double bass. Also GCSE / A-Level / BTEC support — performance pieces, scales, sight-reading, aural tests, and theory.
How lessons work
Lessons happen at my home studio in Sheffield — there’s space for a full-size double bass, an upright stool, and proper recording gear so we can capture what you’re playing and listen back. The studio’s set up specifically for acoustic instruments, which makes a real difference for double bass. If Sheffield isn’t workable, online lessons over Zoom are an option — though I’ll be honest, double bass over video has limitations the others don’t, so we’ll talk through whether it’s a fit for you before we book in.
Every lesson is one-to-one. We’ll start with what you want to play, what’s frustrating you, and where you’d like to be in six months — then build a plan around that. No fixed syllabus, no exercises you’ll never use, just the things that move you forward.
Your first lesson is paid as a single session — book in, come down, see if you like the way I teach. From there, students typically book a regular weekly or fortnightly slot and I charge in monthly blocks paid up front.
Pricing & availability
Same rates whether you’re at the studio or learning online. The first lesson is paid as a single session — after that, most students book a regular slot and I charge monthly in advance.
30 minutes
£15
In-person or online
45 minutes
£20
In-person or online
60 minutes
£25
In-person or online
When I'm available
Studio hours run Monday to Thursday, 12pm – 10pm. Online lessons can flex around that — get in touch with the times that suit and we’ll find a slot.
Other instruments I teach
Already learning the upright? Most double bass players also dip into bass guitar or piano — pick up a second instrument and the theory you’ve already learnt does most of the heavy lifting.
Bass Guitar Lessons
Sheffield’s bass specialist. Slap, fingerstyle, picking — beginners through to working bassists.
Piano Lessons
Classical, pop, jazz — at the Sheffield studio or online. Same one-to-one approach, built around what you want to play.
Music Theory Lessons
From grade 1 basics through to harmony and analysis. Useful for exam prep or just deeper musicianship.
What students say
5.0 stars from 75 verified Google reviews.
Double bass students, electric bass players, guitarists, kids and adults — the lot.
Do I need my own double bass to start?
For online lessons, yes — and you'll need somewhere to record audio (a laptop with built-in mic is fine to start). For in-person at the studio, I have a double bass you can use during the lesson, but you'll want your own to practise on between sessions. Hire is sometimes an option if you don't want to commit to buying — message me and I'll point you towards what works.
Is double bass really harder than electric bass?
Honest answer: physically, yes — the strings are thicker, the scale length is longer, and there are no frets so intonation is on you. But the technique principles are similar enough that electric bass players pick it up faster than complete beginners. If you can already play electric, you've got a head start. If you can't, that's also fine — plenty of my students start cold on the upright.
Can I learn jazz / classical / rockabilly slap?
Yes to all three. I teach across styles — jazz comping and walking basslines, classical bowing technique and orchestral excerpts, and slap-style for rockabilly and psychobilly. We'll focus on whatever you most want to play.
Do you teach kids?
Yes, I teach all ages. Double bass for younger students depends on size — there are quarter-size and half-size instruments available, and I can advise on what fits. Lessons are paced and structured to keep them engaged. Parents are welcome to sit in for the first few lessons.
Can you help me prep for ABRSM or Trinity grades?
Yes. I cover ABRSM and Trinity grades for double bass — performance pieces, scales, sight-reading, and aural tests. We'll work through the syllabus at a pace that suits you, and make sure you're properly prepared on exam day. I also support GCSE, A-Level and BTEC students with performance and theory work.
Ready to start playing?
Book your first double bass lesson — single payment, no commitment, see if we’re a good fit.