Teaching jazz double bass in the 21st century

Tony Overwater

My initial plan was to do research and catalogue the available existing method books for Jazz bass education. But during the process I realized that matters were more complex than I had foreseen. Jazz (bass) methods were often based on classical music methods but Jazz education demands a different skillset and approach. I reexamined the fundamental building blocks necessary to successfully teach Jazz double bass. For this I designed a graphic theoretical framework that helped me analyze the existing methods. With this information I built a data base and webpage that offers analytical information about the available methods. Methods not limited to the traditional books but also on line learning programs and other methodical teaching material. Furthermore I examined the influence of the technological developments that the computer, smartphones, tablets and the internet have to offer. Teaching Jazz in the 21st century has proven to be much more of a modulair approach than the traditional linear approach.

Review of selected methods

I reviewed and analysed several methods by using my graphical theoretical framework. This helped me to visualise which topics were covered with the method at hand. I chose to review 5 different types of methods in order to get a good overview of the variety of the methods. The earliest developed method of Oscar Pettiford, which is a a good representation of the many of the early method books. The Comprehensive Bass Method from Hein van de Geyn, which covers the widest array of topics. Jazz Bass Lines by Mike Downess, which specialises in a specific topic, the online method of John Patitucci at artistsworks.com which uses all the benefits for internet learning. And finally, the thesis from Linda Oh about Dave Holland’s rhythmical playing style, a good example of interesting study material that is freely available but not known to most students and teachers.

Selected methods:

Jazz Bass Facing - Oscar Pettiford
Comprehensive Bass Method - Hein van de Geyn
Jazz Bass Lines - Mike Downess
Online Jazz Bass Lessons - John Patitucci
New method of rhythmic improvisation for the jazz bassist - Linda Oh

Each review is accompanied by a graphical theoretical framework, colouring in the topics that are being addressed in the method at hand. The intensity of the colour represents the focus on a certain topic.