12th Annual ASODB Summer Retreat Postponed!

The 12th Annual ASODB Retreat has been postponed until July of 2011.  We will be posting more information with final dates as it is available.  Please contact us for more information or to register.

The American School of Double Bass® ... Where new thinking about conventional double bass techniques and fingering methods will make your playing better, sooner.

The American School of Double Bass can get you past technical challenges and get you playing the music. Double bassists of all ages and abilities are immersed in an energetic learning experience in a friendly, fun-filled and supportive environment.

What makes the American School uniquely "American" is our "melting pot" of the best elements that the national schools of playing and aesthetics have to offer. These elements of playing are synthesized into one cohesive philosophy of technique and musical ideals. You will benefit from the faculty’s many years of research, professional playing and teaching experience, and clearly written teaching materials to find 21st century solutions to centuries old challenges.

The American School of double bass places greatest emphasis on classical solo and orchestral playing, but also recognizes that proficiency in popular music styles are critical to the success of the bassist of the future. Accordingly, we have a Jazz Day – devoted solely to jazz.

We plan to re-instate the Summer Retreats next summer (2010) at Texas Tech University.

Request more information by contacting us.

Topics Covered

• Private Lessons with Dr. Mark Morton
• Simandl-Plus® Classes
• Triangulation of Fingering Systems® Classes
• Bass Ensembles
• Real Chamber Music
• Orchestral Repertoire Classes
• Scales & Arpeggios Classes
• Masterclasses
• "Jazz Day"
• Simulated Orchestral Audition
• Free Practice Time
• Stretching
• Practice Tips
• Studying the Score
• Memorization
• Orchestral Auditions / Orchestral Life
• Building Repertoire
• History of the Bass: Players, Composers, Music, Recordings, Photos
• How to Buy an Instrument or Bow
• Try the "Other" Bow (French or German)
• Luthier Presentation
• Equipment Care: Strings, Rosin, Bass Setup, Stools, Humidification

What Participants Are Saying

The bass playing is going extremely well, thanks in no small part to what I learned over the summer. Now, with a few months hindsight, I can tell you that I've been absorbing quite a bit of what was taught. I feel that my playing has gotten much better. You have a great thing going there! — Raymond Irving

I liked the masterclasses because I was able to learn from others’ mistakes. I liked the technique class because I was reviewing things I needed to work on.

[I liked] how we got individual instructions as well as group, and how it was all bass and also totally designed to serve the students.

ASODB was wonderful. I had a blast and gained so much out of it. My playing improved so much in one week! I really liked the relaxed schedule, too. I was steeped in bass and now I’m pumped to go home and retain what I learned and practice! I can’t wait for next year. ... I really also loved how the attitude was so positive. Everyone supported each other and all the comments were constructive. — Lori Smith

Your patience, and organizational skills, and enthusiasm are commendable. — Dr. Margaret Gawienowski

[I liked] learning a wide variety of practical solutions to bass problems. “Steps to Intelligent Practice” was excellent. — Dr. Margaret Gawienowski

[I liked the] relaxed feeling while also [being] able to learn and be intense/attitudes. I also like the guests very much. — Lock Bingham

[I liked] 1. The systematic illustrations followed by a chance to consolidate your gains with practice. 2. The atmosphere conducive to abandoning preconceived notions and to learning. 3. The fact that the technique was [a] bit into the realm of music. — Lawrence Pinto

[I liked] the wide variety of activities throughout the day — technique, scales/arp’s, mastercalsses, lectures — the variety keeps things stimulating. — Manuel Quintero

There was nothing I disliked about the program. — Manuel Quintero

I think the program is very thorough and complete as it is... — Manuel Quintero

Thank you for an inspiring week! — Manuel Quintero

[I liked the] casual, relaxed atmosphere and pace of the program, also the variety and enormous amount of information passed along not only by the faculty, but by other students. Also, rehearsals with Dianne (the pianist) were really nice, way too much to name here. Paul [Ramsier] was cool!

Truly a productive, informative, enjoyable experience I hope to participate in again.

I like the challenges I was put through...

[I liked] meeting new people, making new friends...

I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of other bassists. I liked having guest artists and our nightly discussions/masterclasses. The relaxed atmosphere was another plus.

How can you improve on perfection?

I had a really good time and enjoyed the company of fellow bassists. I learned a lot, and I hope ASODB becomes an annual event.

I just like learning a LOT more about the bass and meeting new people, and the freedom we had.

This was an awesome week.

... I learned a lot and worked on my own with the teacher and got the help I needed.

I liked the detailed info packet and the variety of offerings.

I liked the private lesson with Mark the most because he’s the best bass teacher and I wish my bass teacher were half as good as him.

I liked it... I’ll be back.

[I liked] how relaxed the atmosphere was despite the emphasis on practicing and enhancing our technical abilities.

Going to the country club was very fun. I’m amazed this is only the first year. It was put together so well.

It was helpful, informative, and fun.

I knew I would learn a lot about the bass here, but I also enjoyed all the fun we had.

... I would like to say that it is truly a privilege for all of us who have the opportunity to study with you, and that the American School of Double Bass is the greatest! I look forward to seeing you again. — John D. Swartout