Contrabass Conversations

Andrew Pedersen recently won a position with the Houston Symphony. He was a student of Tim Pitts at Rice and a student of Rob Kassinger's at DePaul.

I actually had the chance to work with Andrew at Northwestern University's now-defunct High School Music Institute back in 2011, and it was great watching him continue to grow as a player and musician during his years at DePaul.

We dig into the nuts and bolts of Andrew's Houston Symphony audition process, balancing playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago with being a student, Andrew's audition preparation strategies, advice for his younger self (which I know you're gong to love!), and much more.

Follow along with all of our audition-related content at contrabassconversations.com/auditioning

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Today's episode is a "best of" feature from audition content released since Winning the Audition came out.

• David Allen Moore - LA Phil and 2x past podcast guest
• Caleb Quillen - Kansas City Symphony
• Rob Knopper - MET Orchestra and auditionhacker
• Kevin Brown - Detroit Symphony
• Jon Beder - creator of Composed - a documentary on performance anxiety
• Ted Botsford - LA Phil
• Steve Metcalf - Colorado Symphony principal bassist
• Don Greene - world-renowned performance coach for musicians

Follow along with all of our audition-related content at contrabassconversations.com/auditioning

Check out more "best of" podcasts at contrabassconversations.com/highlights

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Tim Dilenschneider is the latest addition to the Baltimore Symphony double bass section. Tim is a former student of Hal Robinson and Edgar Meyer at Curtis, and he studied with Ranaan Meyer while in high school.

• how everything outside of the audition can seem to go wrong and you still win the audition

• preparation for one audition carries through to the next one

...and much more!

Follow along with all of our audition-related content at contrabassconversations.com/auditioning

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Jon McCullough-Benner serves as principal bass of the Milwaukee Symphony, assistant principal bass of the Grant Park Symphony, and is on faculty at Roosevelt University. Jon joins the Milwaukee Symphony after serving as principal bass with the Oregon Symphony.

• studying with Owen Lee, Albert Laszlo, and Bruce Bransby
• the dangers of getting too tied up in rhythm and pitch fundamentals
• Jon's "early bird gets the worm" philosophy
• why practicing at quarter note = 60 works so well

...and much more!

Follow along with all of our audition-related content at contrabassconversations.com/auditioning

• double bass study at Roosevelt University
• see Jon teach and perform at the Chicago Bass Festival in 2017

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

This episode features highlights from past jazz bassist guests discussing the business of music. Follow along with all of our jazz content at contrabassconversations.com/jazz.

• Rufus Reid Interview
• Jon Burr Interview
• Miles Mosley Interview
• Ben Allison Interview
• Reuben Rogers Interview
• Ron Carter Interview
• Todd Coolman Interview
• Chuck Israels Interview
• Carlos Henriquez Interview

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

David Arend is active as a classical, jazz, hip hop, singer/songwriter and electroacoustic musician.

• what David has done to stand out from the crowd
• how his studies at Oberlin propelled him into unexpected musical paths
• his compositional process
• how he elicits creativity

Follow along with all of our jazz content at contrabassconversations.com/jazz!

• David's website
• Ego is the Enemy (a book we reference)

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Matt Ulery is a jazz bassist, bandleader, and composer based in Chicago, Illinois. He recently released his seventh album and has started his own record label.

• the Chicago jazz scene
• how Matt integrates various projects to make a living as a creative artist,
• social media and its challenges

...and much more!

Follow along with all of our jazz content at contrabassconversations.com/jazz!

• Matt's website
• Matt on Zach Brock's podcast

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Normand Guilbeault has been active on the Montreal jazz scene since the mid-80's and works in an incredibly wide variety of genres.

• Normand's aboriginal music roots, French-Canadian plus aboriginal roots
• Jack Kerouac and the beat generation spirit
• how gravitating toward poets and writers changes your musical outlook
• creativity and how it manifests itself

Follow along with all of our jazz content at contrabassconversations.com/jazz!

• Normand's complete bio
• video about Normand and his fascinating career
• Moanin' with L'Ensemble Normand Guilbeault

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Bob Nieske teaches at Brandeis University and the New England Conservatory. He has worked with George Russell, Stephane Grappelli, and many other jazz luminaries. As bassist, composer, and bandleader, his projects include a suite for his jazz trio, and the Lydian String Quartet, documented on his critically acclaimed CD Simplicity.

• why we shouldn't be watching the left hand as we play
• intonation and the jazz bassist
• Bob's journey from bass to tuba to composition to classical guitar and finally back to bass
• George Russell and how he looked at modes
• linear lines through the chord changes and getting away from being so root-bound
• Brandeis jazz band shirts - front says "what if?" and back says "why not?"

Follow along with all of our jazz content at contrabassconversations.com/jazz!

• Bob's Bass Book (free and full of great content)
• Maine Jazz Camp (where Bob teaches in the summer)

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.

Dr. Don Greene is a sports psychologist and performance coach who has who has taught at The Juilliard School, New World Symphony, and The Colburn School.

In 2016, Dr. Greene's students won positions with the San Francisco Opera, Montreal Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, his clients won 14 medals including 5 gold.

• Don's journey from the world of sports psychology into working with performing artists
• the latest research in muscle memory and myelination
• negative reinforcement and how it's baked into much of classical music training
• mental rehearsal and visualization
• the five pillars of centering

My longtime collaborator John Grillo and I chat with Don in this wide-ranging and fascinating conversation.

• Peak Performance Training School
• Don's TED-Ed video (over 1.3 million views)

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made.

Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others.

Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.