Juan P B. - Tutor in New York, NY (10014)

Hello,

I am a bass player and composer from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I have been living and studying Composition and Ethnomusicology in New York for the last seven years. I have extensive experience playing live concerts, recording and touring. I have been also tutoring beginners in bass playing, music theory and Spanish language.

For the students interested in Music, my experience in the music business environment, and studies in the several music traditions of the world, can enhance any theoretical knowledge.

For those interested in learning Spanish, music is also a great way to approach that language, from listening different styles of Latin and Spanish music to learning the lyrics to your favorite songs.

bass guitar

I started my musical studies with piano at age 11 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In high school I switched to electric bass, first being self taught and then taking classes with several instructors. In College I enrolled in music composition and film studies while playing in two rock bands Rip and Tintoreros that were produced by Fabulosos Cadillacs’ Sr. Flavio. These bands performed in a number of international music festivals along with Nick Cave, Marilyn Manson and Cypress Hill among others. At the same time, I wrote several songs for the cumbia band Parraleños, one of them being nominated for a Latin MTV award. In 2000 I moved to New York to complete my music studies. I got a BA in Ethnomusicology and a Masters in Composition from Hunter College. I also took double bass lessons with Ron Smith and Rick Faulkner. While in New York I formed the band The Beeps, which was nominated for two grammys in 2004, where I write and play bass. I also perform, arrange and write for the singer/songwriter Milton. As a composer and arranger, I wrote the score for the Sundance supported documentary Oh, Saigon and helped with the orchestration of Milton’s soundtrack for the HBO documentary Hard as Nails. My knowledge of music theory and piano performance developed my taste for a melodic style bass of playing that serves as a cohesive element in a song or musical piece. Also, my background and my ethnomusicology studies enhanced my musical vocabulary by making me aware of all kinds of musical genres and cultures. Since my days in Buenos Aires I have been teaching beginner students, trying to instill in them the role of the bass player as the support and foundation of a musical ensemble. For that purpose I focus on tempo, rhythm, and counterpoint. It is ideal for a beginner musician to grasp the concept of playing along with other people and listening to what the other is doing in order to know what it is necessary to enhance the general performance. Any musician that focuses only on chops or speed, although it is important not to disregard that aspect, soon forgets the notion that performing is a collective effort. Thus, I encourage the active listening of recordings to study what other bassists are doing and how they would improve or add something (or the opposite) to a music piece in general. I believe that in bass playing less is more and that behind a great song there is always a great bass line.