Friday, October 23, 2009

Spending time with the next generation of bad ass bassists....



A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with a local high schooler interested in luthiery. She had e-mailed me asking if she could do a job shadow with me for a senior project that she was working on. Needless to say, I was honored...and a little bit anxious. I spent a little extra time tidying up the shop that morning to say the least. She showed up right when she said she would (I love punctuality...) and we got down to business.
First things first, paying bills...it can't all be glamorous. She started with a basic interview....education, influences. etc. I was so impressed with her ease and maturity and felt honored that she was truly interested in me and the career I chose. Turns out, it seems we have a lot in common. She, like me, is auditioning for the same schools I had and shares the same desire to study in NYC. We talked at great length about the conservatory education. Certain teachers I had worked with she would like to...and there was a peculiar familiarity in the sparkle I saw in her eye when she talked about her feelings toward playing the Double Bass. It felt nice to offer someone the advice and guidance I wish I had received before choosing to attend a conservatory. All in all, it was a lovely afternoon and according to the thank you card I received a week later, sounds like she had a nice time too. So thanks Hannah, I wish you the best in your musical pursuits. With your talents and grace you should go very far.
* To hear Hannah play check out the benefit concert on November 15. I'll definately be there. For info, visit www.americanmusicprogram.org