In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Darren Sacks, one of Greater Boston’s leading double bass educators, to discuss how young bassists can transform their playing and mindset to reach new levels of success.

Sacks shares his journey from discovering the double bass on a high school field trip to building a thriving studio that prepares students for competitive auditions across the country—including the MMEA All-State Festival, Interlochen, CASMEC, and top conservatories such as Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music.

Listeners will hear insights on developing efficient practice systems, audition strategies, and the mindset needed for long-term growth. Sacks and Dr. Laux also dive into practical teaching topics such as right-hand setup, standing vs. sitting posture, German vs. French bow technique, and how orchestra teachers can better support their bass sections.

Whether you teach bass or simply want to help your students practice smarter, this episode offers valuable takeaways for educators and performers alike.

🎧 Guest Bio:

Darren Sacks teaches double bass at the University of Massachusetts Boston and works with the Boston Music Project and El Sistema Somerville. His students consistently earn top placements in regional and national youth programs. A performer with the Cape Symphony, Portland Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, and more, Sacks holds degrees from the Hartt School and Boston Conservatory and is passionate about helping serious young bassists bridge the gap between school orchestra and elite audition success.

http://www.darrensacksbasscoach.com

Facebook Teaching Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Darren-Sacks-Bass-Coach/61579266980559/

Facebook Group: "Parents of Young Double Bassists | Audition Prep & Success Tips"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1154710079820381

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

#doublebass #bassauditiontips #bassauditionpreparation #bassteaching #doublebassteacher #basspedagogy #orchestrateacherpodcast #charleslaux #darrensacks #musiceducation #stringeducation #basstechnique #howtopracticebass #bassauditionstrategy #bassstudents #youthorchestraaudition #musicauditions #bassauditionadvice #howtoteachbass #UMassBostonbass #BostonMusicProject #ElSistemaSomerville #doublebasspracticetips #bassauditionmindset #bassbowgrip #FrenchbowvsGermanbow #standingvssittingbass #doublebassposture #bassperformancetips #studentmotivation #musicmindset #practiceefficiency #orchestraeducationpodcast