Sean is dedicated performer and music educator. His 10 years of
teaching experience have helped him to develop exciting and individualized lesson
plans. He understands that all students have diverse goals and will work diligently
to help all of his students develop the skills to succeed in any situation. Sean
teaches both Electric and Upright bass as well as guitar; covering musical styles
from Rock and Pop music to Jazz and Classical. Sean works to develop a well
rounded musician that is prepared for any situation from sight reading and large
ensemble playing to improvise or rocking out with a band. Whether you are
preparing for college auditions, playing in a local band or just starting out Sean is
here to help on your musical journey.
Sean grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and began his musical
career on guitar at the age of 12 and began playing bass in high school. In 2009
Sean moved to Los Angeles and studied at the Musicians Institute receiving his AA
degree in Electric Bass Performance(2011). At this time Sean began working full
time as a gigging bassist in LA and began teaching privately. Sean continued his
formal education at Los Angeles City College earning an AA in Applied Music(2017)
before transferring to California State University Northridge and completing his
Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies(2020). Sean has been blessed to study
with some of the best music educators that Los Angles has to offer including: Gary
Pratt, Dr. David Young, Putter Smith, Lou Kabok, Nate Light, David Tranchina and
Michael Menelle. Sean is now working on his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at
Northern Illinois University and is studying with the fantastic Marlene Rosenburg.
Sean’s teaching methods are highly individualized drawing from his
extensive experience as both a student and teacher. For the electric bassist Sean
seeks to develop proper technique, tone and musicality by utilizing curriculum from
the Musician’s Institute as well as studying bass greats like Jaco Pastorious, James
Jamerson, Marcus Miller, John Paul Jones, Flea and more! Sean utilized tunes and
musical technique exercises to build the fundamentals for his students. Sean will
also focus on musicianship throughout his lessons; how to listen and interact with a
band as a bass player as well as how to learn songs by ear.
Sean’s Upright Bass teaching also is highly individualized and focuses on
building proper technique. Sean utilizes the Rabbath Technique utilizing George
Vance’s Progressive Repertoire books I-III. For both Jazz and Classical students
Sean stresses the importance of the bow to improve intonation and technique. For
Jazz students Sean utilizes Ray Brown’s bass method and utilizes transcriptions to
build the skills need to walk the bass and improvise solos. Students will study the
Jazz Standards (American Songbook) building a strong harmonic knowledge and
learning the basses function in jazz ensembles. Additionally, we will working on Big
Band playing by studying professional Big Band Charts and listening to recordings.
Students are always encouraged to get out and perform as much as possible.
As rhythm section player it is integral that we spend time working with other
musicians to develop a good time feel and learn to interact with other musicians.
Sean will work to help find playing opportunities for his students and can provide
coaching for bands and rhythm sections.
Sean’s passion for music is inspiring and he looks forward to applying his
knowledge and experience to helping many upcoming musicians succeed in their
dreams!